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"Quench" vs. "douse": when to use each word
Reviewed and edited by 
Lloyd Cooper 24/04/2025, 08:12
Lloyd Cooper 24/04/2025, 08:12English.me team member
What is similar?
Both "douse" and "quench" are verbs associated with extinguishing fires or flames, often by using a liquid. They both can imply putting an end to something or suppressing it.
What is different?
"Douse" primarily means to pour liquid over something or someone, often to extinguish or drench. It does not have the meaning of satisfying thirst. "Quench" can mean to extinguish a fire, but it also commonly means to satisfy a thirst or desire. Additionally, "quench" is used in metallurgy to describe rapidly cooling heated metal.
Which one is more common?
Examples of usage
Douse- The firefighters worked quickly to douse the flames.
- She doused the campfire with water before leaving.
- He accidentally doused himself with the garden hose.
- A glass of cold water helped quench his thirst.
- The fire extinguisher was used to quench the small blaze.
- The blacksmith quenched the hot iron in oil.
Difference
