Definition

To become completely wet or soaked with water or another liquid.

Example

After the rain started, I got completely doused while walking home.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see the rain last night?

Yeah, it really douse the streets!

I know, right? Everything was so wet this morning.

I had to splash through puddles just to get to my car.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A complete soaking or drenching, often used to describe the act of putting out a fire or thoroughly wetting something.

Example

The firefighters used water to give the flames a douse.

Conversation

Did you see that storm last night?

Yeah, it was crazy! The rain was like a douse from a bucket.

I know, right? Everything outside looked so soaked this morning.

Definition

To put out a fire or light, or to soak something completely in liquid.

Example

He used a bucket of water to douse the flames.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you see how they douse the flames at the bonfire last night?

Yeah, it was impressive! They really knew what they were doing.

I thought they might need to douse it more thoroughly at one point.

Root Explanation

Douse originates from Middle English 'dousen', meaning to extinguish or put out. The word is related to the Old French 'dousser', meaning to wet or moisten. It describes the action of putting out a fire or extinguishing something by pouring liquid over it.

Memory Tip

Think of the action of 'wetting' or 'moistening' something to remember that 'douse' means to extinguish or put out.

Visually Confused Words