This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
douse
or dowse
[ dous ]
/ daÊŠs /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
Definition of douse
verb (used with object), doused, dous·ing.
verb (used without object), doused, dous·ing.
to plunge or be plunged into a liquid.
noun
British Dialect. a stroke or blow.
QUIZ
GOOSES. GEESES. I WANT THIS QUIZ ON PLURAL NOUNS!
Test how much you really know about regular and irregular plural nouns with this quiz.
Question 1 of 9
Which of the following nouns has an irregular plural form?
Origin of douse
First recorded in 1590–1600; origin uncertain
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH douse
douse , dowseWords nearby douse
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use douse in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for douse (1 of 2)
douse1
dowse
/ (daÊŠs) /
verb
to plunge or be plunged into water or some other liquid; duck
(tr) to drench with water, esp in order to wash or clean
(tr) to put out (a light, candle, etc)
noun
an immersion
Derived forms of douse
douser or dowser, nounWord Origin for douse
C16: perhaps related to obsolete douse to strike, of obscure origin
British Dictionary definitions for douse (2 of 2)
douse2
/ (daÊŠs) /
verb (tr)
nautical to lower (sail) quickly
archaic to strike or beat
noun
archaic a blow
Word Origin for douse
C16: of uncertain origin; perhaps related to douse 1
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