Quĕnch1, v. t.
v. t. [imp. & p. p. QUENCHED (kwĕncht); p. pr. & vb. n. QUENCHING.] [A-S. cwencan, âcwencan, allied to cwīnan, âcwīnan, to languish, cwincan, âcwincan, to decrease, disappear; Goth. qvainon, to weep, bewail.]
- To extinguish; to put out; as, to quench flame. “Ere our blood shall quench that fire.” Shak.
- Hence, to cause to go out or become extinguished, as something warm, ardent, burning, or the like; to put an end to; to stifle; to allay; to destroy; as, to quench thirst, love, hate, &c.
The supposition of the lady’s death Will quench the wonder of her infamy. Shak. Syn.—To extinguish; still; stifle; allay; cool; check; destroy.