Douse Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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douse
[daÊŠs ]
Definition
firefighting
To douse means to pour liquid over something, usually to extinguish a fire.
Synonyms
extinguish, quench, smother.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| douse |
Used when talking about covering something with a liquid, often to put out a fire or to soak something thoroughly.
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| extinguish |
Used formally to refer to putting out a fire, light, or anything that is burning. It can also be used metaphorically.
|
| quench |
Often used to describe satisfying thirst or suppressing something, such as a fire or desire. It has a broader, more poetic use.
|
| smother |
Used when covering something completely to stop it from getting air, often to suffocate or put out a fire. It can also denote overwhelming someone with too much attention.
|
Examples of usage
- The firefighter doused the flames with water.
- He doused the campfire before going to bed.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural References
- In the 2003 movie 'Big Fish,' a character uses dousing in a dramatic scene to symbolize putting out the chaos.
- Douse is used in many fairy tales where characters need to put out magical fires.
- In some cultures, pouring water is a way to cleanse or purify, linking it to the meaning of 'douse.'
Science
- Dousing can refer to the process of extinguishing flames, which involves reducing heat and isolating the fire from fuel.
- The absorption of heat by water during dousing can be explained by the principle of latent heat, a key concept in thermodynamics.
- Water dousing is not always effective for all types of fires; for instance, oil fires can require specific methods.
Psychology
- The act of dousing relates to feelings of control, as people often desire to extinguish things that cause anxiety or fear.
- Studies in stress management highlight how rituals involving water, like dousing, can have calming effects.
- Metaphorically, 'dousing' feelings or thoughts can illustrate the human tendency to suppress negative experiences.
Literature
- In poetry, dousing can symbolize both an end and a new beginning, as extinguishing something may prepare the way for fresh ideas.
- Classic novels often include fire as a motif, using dousing to represent hope or despair during critical moments.
- Dousing is sometimes used in fairy tales as a technique of transformation, where characters find new life through extinguishing their past.
Origin of 'douse'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'douse' comes from the Middle English 'dousen' which means to extinguish or put out.
- Originally, 'douse' was used to describe dipping or immersing quickly in a liquid.
- The word has been used since at least the 14th century in various forms.
The word 'douse' originated from the Middle English term 'dowsen,' which means to fall asleep. Over time, the meaning evolved to include the action of extinguishing a fire by pouring liquid over it. The usage of 'douse' in the context of firefighting became popular in the 19th century.