Quell: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'quell' when you want to describe calming something down, especially fears, anger, or rebellion. It often conveys a peaceful or authoritative intervention.

• The teacher managed to quell the students' anxiety before the test
• The army was sent to quell the rebellion

Use 'suppress' to describe actively preventing or stopping something from happening, particularly emotions, actions, or uprisings. It often has a slightly negative connotation, implying repression.

• The regime took drastic measures to suppress dissent
• He tried to suppress his laughter during the serious meeting

Use 'subdue' when talking about bringing someone or something under control, often through physical force or persuasion. It can also apply to emotions, making them less intense.

• The police had to subdue the violent protestors
• She tried to subdue her nervousness before the presentation

Choose 'quash' when you need to indicate putting an end to something forcefully or legally. It works well when talking about canceling something officially or legally.

• The court decided to quash the previous ruling
• The government aimed to quash the rumors circulating online

Use 'quell' when you want to describe putting an end to a disturbance or suppressing a feeling or insurrection, often with some effort.

• The police were called in to quell the riot.
• He tried to quell his anxiety before the presentation.

Use 'silence' to refer to the complete absence of sound, or the act of making someone stop speaking, which can sometimes have a negative connotation.

• The silence in the room was uncomfortable.
• He raised his hand to silence the noisy class.

Use 'quiet' when you want to describe a state of low noise or encourage someone to be more subdued in a gentle manner.

• The library was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
• Please keep quiet during the movie.

Use 'hush' when asking for or indicating a need for quiet, often immediately and temporarily.

• Hush, the baby is sleeping.
• She hushed the crowd with a wave of her hand.

Typically used to describe the act of suppressing or putting an end to something, such as a disturbance, emotion, or opposition. Common in contexts involving control or authority.

• The police were called in to quell the riots.
• He tried to quell his rising panic before the presentation.

Commonly refers to a moving ridge on the surface of a body of water. It can also describe a sudden increase or movement of people, emotion, or things.

• The surfers were eager to ride the biggest wave of the day.
• A wave of relief washed over her when she realized she wasn't alone.

Often used to describe a large, rolling mass, particularly of smoke or clouds. It conveys a sense of swelling or bulging outward.

• Thick smoke began to billow from the burning building.
• The sail billowed in the wind as the boat picked up speed.

Used to describe a sudden, powerful movement or increase, often in force or emotion. Suitable for dynamic contexts implying rapid progression or changes.

• There was a sudden surge of electricity that knocked out the power.
• She felt a surge of excitement when she heard the news.