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Doused: meaning, definitions and examples

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doused

 

[ daʊst ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

put out

To douse means to extinguish or put out, particularly when referring to a fire or a flame. This term is often used in contexts where something is being soaked or drenched as well. For example, firefighters douse flames with water to completely extinguish a fire. The word can also imply a sudden and intense action of pouring a liquid over something. Dousing can be figurative, as in 'doused in rain' or literal, such as 'dousing a fire.'

Synonyms

drench, extinguish, quench, saturate, soak

Examples of usage

  • Firefighters doused the flames with water.
  • He doused his clothes in water to cool off.
  • The chef doused the salad with dressing.
  • They doused the campfire before leaving.
  • She accidentally doused her homework with coffee.

Translations

Translations of the word "doused" in other languages:

🇵🇹 apagado

🇮🇳 बुझा हुआ

🇩🇪 getäuscht

🇮🇩 dipadamkan

🇺🇦 загашений

🇵🇱 zgasić

🇯🇵 消された

🇫🇷 éteint

🇪🇸 apagado

🇹🇷 söndürüldü

🇰🇷 꺼진

🇸🇦 مُطفأ

🇨🇿 uhasený

🇸🇰 uhasený

🇨🇳 熄灭的

🇸🇮 ugasnjen

🇮🇸 slökkt

🇰🇿 сөндірілген

🇬🇪 გამორთული

🇦🇿 söndürülmüş

🇲🇽 apagado

Etymology

The word 'douse' originated from the late Middle English term 'dousen,' which is thought to be derived from the Old French term 'dousser' meaning to 'wet or moisten.' It has evolved throughout the centuries, with its meanings broadening from specifically dealing with liquids, to its more general use as to extinguish or put out flames. In the context of extinguishing fires, it became particularly popular in the 16th century. The shift in usage reflects the changing nature of linguistic expression and the adoption of terms through different social influences. The word also carries connotations of controlling or managing something potent, like fire, emphasizing the human intervention in emergency situations.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,665, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.