kwentʃ v.tr. 1
satisfy (thirst) by drinking. 2
extinguish (a
fire or
light etc.). 3
cool,
esp.
with water (heat, a
heated thing). 4 esp.
Metallurgy cool (a
hot substance) in
cold water,
air,
oil, etc. 5 a stifle or
suppress (desire etc.). b
Physics &
Electronics inhibit or
prevent (oscillation,
luminescence, etc.) by counteractive
means. 6 sl.
reduce (an opponent) to
silence. øøquenchable adj. quencher n. quenchless adj. [ME f. OE -cwencan
causative f. -cwincan be extinguished]