quell
verb
To put an end to (a rebellion or other disorder), typically by the use of force; to subdue or silence; to suppress.
Etymology
From Old English cwellan "to kill, destroy," from Proto-Germanic *kwaljanan. The meaning softened over time from "kill" to "suppress."
Examples in Use
- 1.
"Police moved quickly to quell the riot."
- 2.
"She took deep breaths to quell her anxiety."
- 3.
"Nothing could quell his enthusiasm for the project."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
Quell originally meant "to kill"—a much stronger meaning than today's "suppress." This softening over centuries is called semantic weakening, common in English (e.g., "awful" once meant "inspiring awe").
Word Game Tips
Letters: 5 letters (Q, U, E, L, L)
Scrabble Value: 14 points
Tip: Words ending in "LL" are often good scoring opportunities.
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