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Definition of quell

quell

/kwɛl/
quell
Past Simple:quelled
•
Past Participle:quelled
•
Present Participle:quelling
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quell Lexical Profile

quell Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To put an end to (a rebellion, disturbance, or disorder), typically by the use of force or authority.

Example

"City officials acted swiftly to quell the public disturbance before it could spread to neighboring districts."

2

To subdue, quiet, or pacify (an unpleasant feeling, fear, or doubt).

Example

"The professor's clear explanation helped quell the students' anxieties about the upcoming final exam."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for quell

• Nearby Words

queerness
queets
quelimane
quell
quench
quenchable
quencher

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from Old English 'cwellan', meaning 'to kill or destroy', which goes back to the Proto-Germanic root '*kwaljanan', meaning 'to cause to suffer or die'. Over time, the word softened in meaning from literal slaying to suppressing disorder or calming unpleasant feelings.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Quell. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/quell
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