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douse

verb \ ˈdau̇s also ˈdau̇z \
variants: or less commonly

Definition of douse

doused also dowsed; dousing also dowsing
transitive verb
1 : to plunge into water
  • Blanch the green beans then douse them in a bath of ice water.
2 a : to throw a liquid on : drench
  • The books were doused in gasoline and set ablaze.
  • doused herself in perfume
b : slosh
3
[originally in argot use (douse the glim meaning "extinguish the light") and perhaps of distinct origin]
: extinguish
  • douse the lights
  • douse the blaze
intransitive verb
: to fall or become plunged into water
—

douser

or less commonly dowser noun

Origin and Etymology of douse

of obscure origin
Note: 16th-century douse "to strike, inflict a blow on" — see 3douse may be related but is remote in sense

2

douse

noun \ ˈdau̇s also ˈdau̇z \

Definition of douse

: a heavy drenching
  • a douse of cold water

Origin and Etymology of douse

noun derivative of 1douse

3

douse

noun \ ˈdüs , ˈdau̇s \

Definition of douse

British
: blow, stroke

Origin and Etymology of douse

noun derivative of earlier douse "to strike, inflict a blow on," akin by borrowing or descent to Middle Dutch dossen "to strike, shove," Early Modern Dutch doesen, German dialect dusen, tusen, tausen

4

douse

verb \ ˈdau̇s \

Definition of douse

doused; dousing
transitive verb
1 nautical
a : to take in : lower, strike
  • douse a sail
b : slacken
  • douse a rope
2 : take off, doff
  • doused his hat

Origin and Etymology of douse

perhaps sense extensions of earlier douse "to strike, inflict a blow on" — more at 3douse

DOUSE Defined for Kids

douse

verb \ ˈdau̇s \

Definition of douse for Students

doused; dousing
1 : to stick into water
  • He doused his head in the stream.
2 : to throw a liquid on
  • The chef doused the shrimp in sauce.
3 : to put out : extinguish
  • douse a light

Learn More about douse

  1. See words that rhyme with douse Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for douse Spanish Central: Translation of douse Nglish: Translation of douse for Spanish speakers

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