douse

Etymology 1

Probably of North Germanic origin, related to Swedish dunsa (“to plumb down, fall clumsily”), Danish dunse (“to thump”). Compare Old English dwǣsċan (“to extinguish”) and douse below.

verb

1. (transitive, intransitive) To plunge suddenly into water; to duck; to immerse.
2. (intransitive) To fall suddenly into water.
3. (transitive) To put out; to extinguish.
   The man who doused the fire was told to put the remainder of the coal into the bucket and then give the bucket to the soldier. 1999, Arthur D. Jacobs, The Prison Called Hohenasperg
   Kelly Henderson, Your Mythic Spirit Guide: Spirituality for a Creative Life Once you feel confident in your visualizations, you may douse the candle by blowing it out.
   Now he rushed to the platform edge carrying a full fire bucket, in a forlorn attempt to douse the flames as the now brightly burning wagon rolled past. January 12 2022, Benedict le Vay, “The heroes of Soham...”, in RAIL, number 948, page 42

noun

1. A sudden plunging into water.
   In winter a douse in cold water helps the looks and adds to the style of the carcass, but they should be thoroughly dried before packing. 1911, Cyphers Series on Practical Poultry Keeping, number 1, page 74

Etymology 2

From Middle English duschen, dusshen (“to rush, fall”), related to Norwegian dusa (“to break, cast down from”), Old Dutch doesen (“to beat, strike”), dialectal German tusen, dusen (“to strike, run against, collide”), Saterland Frisian dössen (“to strike”). Compare doss, dust.

verb

1. (transitive) To strike, beat, or thrash.
2. (transitive, nautical) To strike or lower in haste; to slacken suddenly
   Douse the topsail!

noun

1. A blow or strike, especially to the face.