quench
UK: kwentʃ | US: kwentʃ
vt. 1. to satisfy (thirst or desire) by drinking or other means
vt. 2. to extinguish or suppress (fire, light, or a feeling)
vt. 3. to cool (hot metal) rapidly by immersion in liquid
The word "quench" originates from Old English cwencan, meaning "to extinguish" or "to put out," likely derived from Proto-Germanic kwankijaną. The root quen- reflects the core idea of suppression or cessation, while the suffix -ch (modern English -sh) marks it as a verb. Over time, its meaning expanded metaphorically to include satisfying thirst or desires, linking physical and abstract extinguishing.
She drank water to quench her thirst after the long run.
The firefighters worked tirelessly to quench the raging blaze.
His curiosity was quenched after reading the detailed report.
Blacksmiths quench red-hot steel in oil to harden it.
Nothing could quench her ambition to become a scientist.