v.tr. 1 satisfy (thirst) by drinking. 2 extinguish (a fire or light etc.). 3 cool, esp. with water (heat, a heated thing). 4 esp. Metallurgy cool (a hot substance) in cold water, air, oil, etc. 5 a stifle or suppress (desire etc.). b Physics & Electronics inhibit or prevent (oscillation, luminescence, etc.) by counteractive means. 6 sl. reduce (an opponent) to silence. quenchable adj. quencher n. quenchless adj.
[ ME f. OE -cwencan causative f. -cwincan be extinguished ]