quell

Definition

To subdue, put down, or silence (someone or something); to force (someone) to submit.

Etymology

From Middle English quellen, from Old English cwellan (“to kill”), from Proto-West Germanic *kwalljan, from Proto-Germanic *kwaljaną (“to make die; kill”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *gʷelH-. Cognate with German quälen (“to torment; agonise; smite”), Swedish kvälja (“to torment”), Icelandic kvelja (“to torture; torment”). Compare also Old Armenian կեղ (keł, “sore, ulcer”), Old Church Slavonic жаль (žalĭ, “pain”). See also kill, which may be its doublet.

Example Sentences

• "The nation obeyed the call, rallied round the sovereign, and enabled him to quell the disaffected minority."
• "Northward marching to quell the sudden revolt."
• "to quell grief"

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