quell
KWEL
/kwel/
Put an end to a rebellion or disorder, typically by force; suppress or crush fears and doubts.
Implies decisive, firm, and often authoritative action to crush disturbance or extinguish burning internal fears.
The story behind the word. In Anglo-Saxon times, 'cwellan' meant to kill or destroy violently. Over centuries, the word softened from literal killing to suppressing revolts and choking off rising fears before they spread.
Word relationships
- suppress: Suppress means holding something down under authority; quell stresses putting a complete end to active uproar.
- extinguish: Extinguish focuses on putting out fires or hopes entirely.
- incite: Incite means to stir up or encourage violent behavior or strong feelings.
- foment: Foment means to instigate or foster rebellion or discord.
Commonly confused with
- quench: Quench refers specifically to satisfying thirst or extinguishing fire; quell refers to suppressing rebellion, fears, or noise.
Collocations
- quell a rebellion
- quell rumors
- quell fears
- quell anxiety
Idioms & expressions
- nip in the bud
Example sentences
- "Extra police units were deployed to quell the rising violence in the city center." News / Governance
- "The CEO made a public statement to quell rumors of impending bankruptcy." Emotional management
Memory hook
QUELL sounds like KILL: kill the riot or kill the fear completely. Crush rebellion or quiet fear.
When not to use
Do not use for gentle, tender calming of a baby (use soothe).
Fun facts
- The word 'quell' is related to the archaic English word 'quail' (to shrink back in fear) and German 'quälen' (to torment).
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