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douse

verb

/daʊs/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of douse

To extinguish or soak something completely with liquid, typically water.
"The firefighters were able to douse the flames before the building was destroyed."

Detailed meaning of douse

The verb 'douse' means It is often used in the context of putting out a fire or drenching oneself to cool off from the heat. For example, if a fire breaks out, firefighters may use hoses to douse the flames with water until they are completely extinguished. Similarly, on a hot summer day, someone might douse themselves with a bucket of water to cool down. The act of dousing involves covering the entire surface of the object or person with the liquid, ensuring that it is completely submerged or soaked.

Example sentences containing douse

1. Firefighters always douse a fire with water to prevent it from spreading.
2. Make sure you douse the campfire thoroughly before leaving the campsite.
3. If the vegetables seem dry, douse them with some olive oil.
4. When it's hot outside, people often douse themselves with water to stay cool.
5. I will douse the flowers in the garden since it hasn’t rained in days.
6. It’s best to douse a grease fire with baking soda, not water.

History and etymology of douse

The verb 'douse' has its etymological roots in the Middle English word 'dowsen,' which means 'to strike' or 'to fall heavily.' Over time, its meaning evolved, and 'douse' came to represent the act of extinguishing or soaking something completely with liquid, typically water. This transformation in meaning likely reflects the forceful action of pouring or splashing water to put out a fire or thoroughly wet an object. 'Douse' is a term that embodies the idea of complete saturation or extinguishment, often used in the context of firefighting, drenching a fire to prevent its spread, or soaking an item to thoroughly cleanse or cool it down.

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Further usage examples of douse

1. You should douse the wound with antiseptic to avoid infection.
2. We douse the car with soap and water before scrubbing it clean.
3. Douse the coals with water to ensure the barbecue is safe to leave.
4. Chefs often douse a dish with lemon juice to add a bit of zest.
5. I'm going to douse the laundry with stain remover before washing.
6. If you douse the paper with watercolors, it will create a beautiful effect.
7. They douse the crowd with water guns during the parade.
8. He'll douse the pancakes with syrup because he loves them sweet.
9. She will douse the rag in cleaning solution before wiping the windows.
10. Don’t douse the plants too much, or you might overwater them.
11. Douse the sponge in soapy water to clean the dishes more effectively.
12. You can douse the torches with water to extinguish them quickly.
13. Before frying, douse the chicken in seasoned flour for extra flavor.
14. Douse the cloth with lavender oil to give the room a pleasant scent.