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

Examples of quench in a Sentence

we thoroughly quenched the campfire before we headed to bed this lemonade really quenches my thirst
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Looking for good craft beer to quench your thirst during the heat of Ohio's summer? Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 18 July 2025 While lemonade might not be medicine, there’s still science behind its ability to quench your thirst on the hottest of days. The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 July 2025 Back in town, quench your thirst at the upstairs atrium of 3 Bears Brewery and Restaurant, then take the Banff Gondola 7,000 feet up Sulphur Mountain, with views of six mountain ranges and the Bow Valley far below. Rebecca Deurlein, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2025 But so far, only one Southern state gets to quench its thirst with this seasonal soda. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for quench

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Quench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quench. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.

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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