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View synonyms for

douse

or dowse

[ dous ]

verb (used with object)

doused, dousing.
  1. to plunge into water or the like; drench:

    She doused the clothes in soapy water.

  2. to splash or throw water or other liquid on:

    The children doused each other with the hose.

  3. to extinguish:

    She quickly doused the candle's flame with her fingertips.

  4. Informal. to remove; doff.
  5. Nautical.
    1. to lower or take in (a sail, mast, or the like) suddenly.
    2. to slacken (a line) suddenly.
    3. to stow quickly.


verb (used without object)

doused, dousing.
  1. to plunge or be plunged into a liquid.

noun

  1. British Dialect. a stroke or blow.

douse

1

/ 岹ʊ /

verb

  1. to plunge or be plunged into water or some other liquid; duck
  2. tr to drench with water, esp in order to wash or clean
  3. tr to put out (a light, candle, etc)
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. an immersion
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

douse

2

/ 岹ʊ /

verb

  1. nautical to lower (sail) quickly
  2. archaic.
    to strike or beat
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. archaic.
    a blow
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈdzܲ, noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of douse1

First recorded in 1590–1600; origin uncertain
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Word History and Origins

Origin of douse1

C16: perhaps related to obsolete douse to strike, of obscure origin

Origin of douse2

C16: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to douse 1
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Redick spoke to reporters after getting doused in ice water in the locker room by the Lakers celebrating clinching the third seed.

From

The Nationals’ defense, on the other hand, twice took away hits that doused potentially dangerous Dodgers rallies.

From

Toss a match on a charcoal grill doused in gasoline.

From

He said the fire was doused and it did not lead to delays for other flights.

From

Then torrential rain - while helping douse any smouldering embers - caused mudslides in the burn area and runoff of toxic ash and chemicals into the ocean, prompting further closures.

From

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