dowse
UK: daʊz | US: daʊz
vt. to search for underground water or minerals using a divining rod
vi. to practice dowsing
vt. (archaic) to plunge or immerse suddenly
dowse = dows<to strike or plunge> + e<verb suffix>
- dows<to strike or plunge>: Derived from Middle English dousen, meaning "to strike" or "drench," related to Old English dwǣscan (to extinguish).
- e<verb suffix>: A common verbal ending in English.
Etymology Origin:
The word "dowse" originally meant "to strike" or "immerse," evolving from Old English roots tied to forceful action. By the 17th century, it gained the specialized sense of searching for water with a rod, likely due to the rod's perceived "striking" motion when detecting underground sources. The dual meanings reflect both physical impact and mystical practice.
The farmer hired a man to dowse for a well on his property.
Some people still believe in the ability to dowse for hidden treasures.
(Archaic) He dowsed the torch in water to put it out.
Modern scientists remain skeptical about dowsing techniques.
The old book described how to dowse using a forked stick.