quell

USAGE SUMMARY

Quell is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is usually used in the form of the verb, meaning to put an end to something or suppress a revolt. Example sentence: The police were able to quickly quell the riot.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr Mallon, 65, moved to quell speculation that he would be the natural successor to the Nobel prize-winning Mr Hume within 24 hours of the leader's resignation.

The Guardian

Peevski's resignation less than 24 hours after his appointment did nothing to quell the anger.

The Guardian

Maybe the US can find a backdoor through Moscow to meet the totalitarian leader and quell his nuclear ambitions.

The Guardian - Business

Britain has always seemed to me be a construct that was manufactured under James l & Vl to create a Protestant alliance, quell Catholicism and break an Auld Alliance between Scotland and France.

The Guardian

I believed you would soothe and quell the stress of preparing Christmas dinner but as you followed me around, you took centre stage, you took over, perpetuating and compounding my distress, which was clear for our relatives to witness.

The Guardian

The next day we tried to quell our misery by trawling neighbouring venues to find shows even worse than ours.

The Guardian

Although the monitor was a key concession to Trimble, it failed to quell a rebellion in his party's ranks yesterday.

The Guardian

HSBC has staged a partial climbdown over a controversial bonus plan for its chairman in order to quell a damaging revolt from its biggest shareholders.

The Guardian - Business

This may have been an accurate reflection of the prejudices of some financiers, but it did nothing to quell public criticism.

The Guardian - Film

Stew, could you divulge something detestable about yourself to help quell my longstanding crush on you?

The Guardian

I have turned to publishing as a productive outlet, but I am filled with a frustration that no amount of crane-dangling will ever quell.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quell" when you want to emphasize the act of forcibly suppressing or subduing something, such as a rebellion, fear, or rumor.

Common error

Avoid using "quell" in contexts where a gentler approach like calming or soothing is more appropriate. "Quell" suggests a forceful suppression, which may not always be the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "quell" is as a transitive verb. It describes the action of suppressing, subduing, or putting an end to something, as evidenced by Ludwig examples showing its use to describe actions taken against unrest or dissent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "quell" is a verb used to describe the act of suppressing or subduing something, often with force or authority. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it follows standard grammar rules and is considered correct for use in written English. With a "Very common" frequency, it's primarily found in "News & Media" and "Formal & Business" contexts. Related phrases include "suppress", "subdue", and "extinguish", offering alternative ways to convey similar meanings. When using "quell", it's important to consider its connotations of forceful suppression and avoid using it in contexts where a gentler approach is more appropriate. Top sources like The Guardian and The Economist frequently employ this term. Be mindful of context to ensure the appropriate level of formality and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Suppress

A more general term for preventing something from developing or being expressed.

Subdue

Implies bringing something under control, often through force or authority.

Extinguish

Specifically refers to putting an end to something that is burning or fiery, but can be used metaphorically.

Pacify

Focuses on calming or appeasing someone who is angry or agitated.

Appease

Similar to pacify, but often involves making concessions to maintain peace.

Curb

Implies restraining or limiting something undesirable.

Mitigate

To reduce the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.

Alleviate

To make suffering, deficiency, or a problem less severe.

Stifle

To restrain or suppress, can also mean to suffocate.

Silence

Focuses on stopping someone from speaking or expressing themselves.

FAQs

How to use "quell" in a sentence?

The verb "quell" is typically used to describe the act of suppressing or subduing something, such as unrest, fears, or rumors. For example, "The police used force to "quell" the riot" or "The government tried to "quell" public anxiety with reassurances".

What can I say instead of "quell"?

You can use alternatives like "suppress", "subdue", "extinguish", or "pacify", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "quell" or "quail"?

"Quell" and "quail" are distinct words with different meanings. "Quell" means to suppress or subdue, while "quail" means to show fear or apprehension.

What's the difference between "quell" and "calm"?

"Quell" suggests a more forceful or decisive action to bring something under control, often implying that there was significant disturbance or unrest. "Calm", on the other hand, implies a gentler and more gradual process of restoring peace or tranquility.