quell

/kwɛl/

/kwɛl/

Other forms: quelled; quells

Meaning to suppress or overcome, quell is what you have to do with nerves before a big test and fears before going skydiving.

When it first came into existence, the verb quell actually meant “to murder.” That's a bit more serious than our modern definition, but you can use that old definition to help you imagine offing your worries or putting a permanent end to criticism. These days quell is often used to mean "pacify," as in the police quelling an angry mob or a mom quelling a kid's temper tantrum.

Definitions of quell

1. verb

   suppress or crush completely
   synonyms: quench, squelch

   type of:

   conquer, curb, inhibit, stamp down, subdue, suppress

   to put down by force or authority
2. verb

   overcome or allay
   “quell my hunger”

   synonyms: appease, stay

   type of:

   fill, fulfil, fulfill, meet, satisfy

   fill or meet a want or need