douse

word

Definition

To pour liquid over something, especially to put out a fire or make something completely wet.

Usage & Nuances

Often used in the context of extinguishing fires ('douse the flames') or covering with water or another liquid. More formal/literary than 'put out' (for fire) or 'soak'. Common mistake: don't confuse with 'dose' (amount of medicine).

Spanish: apagar (fuego) - empapar (con líquido) - bañar (con líquido)Portuguese (BR): apagar (fogo) - encharcar (com líquido) - molhar (com líquido)Portuguese (PT): apagar (fogo) - molhar (com líquido) - encharcar Chinese (Simplified): 扑灭（火）- 浇湿 - 泼洒 Chinese (Traditional): 撲滅（火）- 澆濕 - 潑灑 Hindi: बुझाना (आग) - भिगो देना Arabic: يُطفئ (حريق) - يغمر (بسائل)Bengali: ঢেলে দেওয়া - নিভিয়ে ফেলা Russian: залить - обливать - тушить (огонь)Japanese: 浴びせる - 消す（火などを）Vietnamese: dội - dập tắt (lửa)Korean: 흠뻑 적시다 - 끄다 (불 등)Turkish: su dökmek - söndürmek (ateşi)Urdu: ڈالنا - بجھانا (آگ وغیرہ)Indonesian: menyiram - memadamkan (api)

Example Sentences

She used a bucket of water to douse the campfire.

basic

The rain began to douse the streets.

basic

Firefighters rushed in to douse the burning building.

basic

He accidentally doused himself with cold water when fixing the pipes.

natural

People gathered to douse each other with colored powder during the festival.

natural

Make sure to douse the grill properly after you’re done cooking.

natural