quench

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "quench" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to mean "satisfy or extinguish" such as "quench a thirst" or "quench a fire." For example, you could say, "She drank the cool water to quench her thirst."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"When Netanyahu won," he said, "he dried the last drop of water that could quench our thirst for a state.

The Guardian

Cue the metaphorical version of the female high school experience, some of it obvious, all of it fun: Jennifer the literal maneater – and her monthlies really are murder; the voraciousness of a young women's newly-discovered sexual/bloodletting appetites and the utter inability of the men around her to quench them.

The Guardian - Film

The £240m that Miliband wants to divert from free schools built in areas with surplus places into those with a need for more, sounds sensible, but when you set it against the £1.6bn already spent by the coalition to quench demand for places and the £1.6bn more committed going forward, you get some idea of how much bigger this problem is.

The Guardian

Candidates tend to play to the base of their party during the primaries, only to quench the fire and brimstone once they have secured the nomination, the better to appeal to swing voters.

The Economist

In a bid to fire up the Canadian economy, the Bank of Canada also cut interest rates this week.But a weaker currency is not necessarily hard to swallow: it can help beef up exports and quench deflationary pressures.

The Economist

Although some have been lifted temporarily, the reprieves do nothing for an economy where one-in-two Palestinians is impoverished, 700,000 are under sporadic curfew and 1.5m are under siege in their towns, villages and refugee camps.Nor has it done much to quench their thirst for revenge.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Tubes made for very demanding services, such as oil drilling, are usually heat-treated in walking-beam furnaces and special quench-and-temper systems.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the gold-silicon system of Figure 5, at compositions far from the cusp, glasses cannot be formed by melt quenching even by the rapid splat-quench technique of Figure 4. (This is the reason that the Tg curve of Figure 5 spans only compositions near the cusp).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The most common heat treatment for plates, tubular products, and rails is the quench-and-temper process.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Most properties catch alight during associated ember showers and can be quenched if you're prepared with mops, buckets and pre-filled sinks and baths.

The Guardian

NO SOONER have the Americans quenched one fire than another flares up.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "quench" to convey a sense of satisfying a strong need or suppressing a powerful force, whether it's physical, emotional, or abstract.

Common error

Avoid using "quench" for minor or trivial satisfactions; it implies a significant or intense need being fulfilled. Consider using more appropriate verbs like "drink" or "eat" for simple hunger or thirst.

Linguistic Context

The word "quench" primarily functions as a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. It describes the act of satisfying a need or desire. Ludwig showcases examples such as "quench our thirst for a state" and "quench global markets".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "quench" is a versatile verb primarily used to describe the satisfaction of a need or the suppression of something, such as thirst, desire, or even fire. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to encyclopedias and scientific publications. While generally appropriate for neutral and formal settings, it's important to ensure that the context aligns with the significant intensity that "quench" implies. Consider alternatives like "satisfy" or "extinguish" depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

satisfy

Direct synonym, emphasizes fulfillment.

slake

Specifically refers to satisfying thirst.

extinguish

Focuses on putting something out, like a fire.

sate

Formal synonym, implying complete satisfaction.

appease

Suggests calming or pacifying a desire.

allay

Indicates reducing the intensity of something, like fear or pain.

gratify

Highlights the pleasurable aspect of satisfying a need.

douse

Implies extinguishing something with liquid.

subdue

Focuses on suppressing or controlling something.

suppress

Highlights the act of forcibly restraining.

FAQs

How can I use "quench" in a sentence?

You can use "quench" to describe satisfying a thirst, as in "The cool water quenched his thirst". It can also be used metaphorically, like "The new project quenched her desire for a challenge".

What can I say instead of "quench" when referring to thirst?

When referring to thirst, you can use alternatives like "slake" or "satisfy" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "quench" for emotional or intellectual desires?

Yes, "quench" can be used metaphorically to describe satisfying emotional or intellectual desires, such as "The artist's visit to the museum quenched her thirst for inspiration."

What is the difference between "quench" and "extinguish"?

"Quench" often refers to satisfying a need or desire, while "extinguish" typically means to put out a fire or light. While both can be used metaphorically, "quench" carries a sense of fulfillment.