quell | Definition of quell

Synonyms and Antonyms of quell

1 to put a stop to (something) by the use of force

the National Guard was called in to help quell the late-night disturbances downtown

Synonyms of quell

clamp down (on), crack down (on), crush, put down, quash, repress, silence, slap down, snuff (out), squash, squelch, subdue, suppress

Words Related to quell

douse (also dowse), extinguish, put out, quench

smother, stifle, strangle, throttle

annihilate, decimate, demolish, desolate, destroy, devastate, nuke, rub out, ruin, smash, waste, wreck

exterminate, obliterate, wipe out

conquer, dominate, overcome, overpower, overwhelm, subdue, subjugate, vanquish

Phrases Synonymous with quell

Near Antonyms of quell

abet, aid, assist, back, help, prop up, support

foment, incite, instigate, provoke, stir, whip (up)

advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, foster, further, nourish, nurture, promote

2 to stop the noise or speech of

the principal held up her hand to quell the students so they could hear the urgent announcement

Synonyms of quell

dumb, extinguish, hush, mute, quiet, quieten [chiefly British], settle, shush, shut up, silence, squelch, still

Near Antonyms of quell