quell

American  

[kwel] / kwɛl /

verb (used with object)

1. to suppress; put an end to; extinguish.

   The troops quelled the rebellion quickly.

   Synonyms:

   quench, conquer, defeat, overcome, overpower, quash, crush

   Antonyms:

   foster

2. to vanquish; subdue.

   Synonyms:

   quench, conquer, defeat, overcome, overpower, quash, crush

   Antonyms:

   foster

3. to quiet or allay (emotions, anxieties, etc.).

   The child's mother quelled his fears of the thunder.

   Synonyms:

   hush, compose, pacify, calm

   Antonyms:

   agitate

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quell British  

/ kwɛl /

verb

1. to suppress or beat down (rebellion, disorder, etc); subdue

2. to overcome or allay

   to quell pain

   to quell grief

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Other Word Forms

• quellable adjective
• queller noun
• unquellable adjective
• unquelled adjective

Etymology

Origin of quell

First recorded before 900; Middle English quellen, Old English cwellan “to kill”; akin to Old Norse kvelja “to torment,” German quälen “to vex”; cf. kill ¹

Explanation

Meaning to suppress or overcome, quell is what you have to do with nerves before a big test and fears before going skydiving. When it first came into existence, the verb quell actually meant “to murder.” That's a bit more serious than our modern definition, but you can use that old definition to help you imagine offing your worries or putting a permanent end to criticism. These days quell is often used to mean "pacify," as in the police quelling an angry mob or a mom quelling a kid's temper tantrum.

Example Sentences

While more storms and moisture could help quell blazes, there is also the chance that a dry lightning storm could spark them, he said.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 16, 2026

"As a responsible major power, China will continue to play a constructive role and make efforts to de-escalate tensions and quell the conflict," he said.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Lori will even enjoy access to his brushes and paints to quell any doubts about authenticity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

In that time, fears about the Federal Reserve needing to raise interest rates to quell inflation have given way to concerns about the economic damage of the historic oil-price surge.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

After watching for a while, I’d lower myself into the water and hold on to the side of the canoe, trying to quell my panic and get used to being out in open water.

From "Flying Through Water" by Mamle Wolo

Related Words

• annihilate
• conquer
• crush
• extinguish
• overcome
• put down
• quench
• silence
• stamp out
• stifle
• subdue