tr.v., quenched, quench·ing, quench·es.
- To put out (a fire, for example); extinguish.
- To suppress; squelch: The disapproval of my colleagues quenched my enthusiasm for the plan.
- To put an end to; destroy.
- To slake; satisfy: Mineral water quenched our thirst.
- To cool (hot metal) by thrusting into water or other liquid.
[Middle English quenchen, from Old English -cwencan (in ācwencan, to quench).]
quenchable quench'a·ble adj.quencher quench'er n.
quenchless quench'less adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
