quench

verb

quenched; quenching; quenches

transitive verb

1
b
: to put out the light or fire of
quench glowing coals with water
c
: to cool (something, such as heated metal) suddenly by immersion (as in oil or water)
d
: to cause to lose heat or warmth
you have quenched the warmth of France toward youAlfred Tennyson
2
a
: to bring (something immaterial) to an end typically by satisfying, damping, cooling, or decreasing
a rational understanding of the laws of nature can quench impossible desiresLucius Garvin
the praise that quenches all desire to read the bookT. S. Eliot
b
: to terminate by or as if by destroying : eliminate
the Commonwealth party quenched a whole generation of play-actingMargery Bailey
quench a rebellion
c
: to relieve or satisfy with liquid
quenched his thirst at a wayside spring

intransitive verb

1
: to become extinguished : cool
2
: to become calm : subside
quenchable adjective
quencher noun
quenchless adjective

Example Sentences

we thoroughly quenched the campfire before we headed to bed this lemonade really quenches my thirst
Recent Examples on the Web There was a real, serious thirst for more Star Wars, and fast; Disney recognized a real ability to quench that thirst, and make a whole lot of money in the process. Evan Romano, Men's Health, 5 May 2023 Free of problematic ingredients (think alcohol, fragrance, and silicone), these irridiscent sheet masks quench even the thirstiest complexions with a powerful blend of bakuchiol (a natural retinol alternative), allantoin, and ginseng. Katie Chang, Forbes, 20 Apr. 2023 The first of those has already helped quench a recent stock rally. John Cheng, Fortune, 21 Dec. 2022 After sips of nostalgia — delivering a blistering medley at the 2022 IHeart Music Awards and contributing to this year’s Hip-Hop 50 tribute at the Grammys — Uncle L looks to quench his thirst for performing with his upcoming F.O.R.C.E. Live arena tour this summer. Carl Lamarre, Billboard, 27 Apr. 2023 Food vendors and a beer garden quenched people’s appetite and thirst. Michelle Cruz, The Arizona Republic, 4 Mar. 2023 Perfect for quenching your thirst while performing in sports and other physical activities, Gatorade Zero Sugar sports drinks are formulated with electrolytes and other nutrients designed to replenish important vitamins and minerals lost due to sweating. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 12 Feb. 2023 Lunar water could be used to quench the thirst of parched astronauts. Jennifer Leman, Popular Mechanics, 26 Oct. 2020 Next, to quench parched skin ahead of your face rolling session, do a quick spritz of Chanel’s face mist. Kiana Murden, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'quench.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English -cwencan; akin to Old English -cwincan to vanish, Old Frisian quinka

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of quench was in the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near quench

Cite this Entry

“Quench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quench. Accessed 8 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

quench

verb
1
: extinguish sense 1
quench a fire
2
: to bring to an end
3
: satisfy sense 2b
quench your thirst
quenchable adjective
quencher noun

More from Merriam-Webster on quench

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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