quell
Americanverb
-
to suppress or beat down (rebellion, disorder, etc); subdue
-
to overcome or allay
to quell pain
to quell grief
Other Word Forms
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.
Vocabulary lists containing quell
100 Words Every Middle Schooler Should Know
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Essential Academic Vocabulary for Middle School Students, List 2
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"To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, Chapters 7–11
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
British government debt fell sharply on Tuesday, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s insistence he will stay in office doing little to quell speculation he could face a leadership challenge.
From MarketWatch • May 12, 2026
The results initially seemed to quell investors’ worst fears about artificial intelligence encroaching on Monday.com’s business, but the optimism dissipated as the day continued.
From Barron's • May 11, 2026
But that did little to quell the online outrage.
From BBC • Apr. 25, 2026
It would take the early 20th century’s sharper telescopes and planetary photography to quell the buzz about smart alien neighbors.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026
After a few deep calming breaths to quell her shaking hands, she managed to slit open the envelope and unfold the letter within.
From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
