IPA: /sleɪk/
KK: /sleɪk/
To undergo a process of becoming less intense or to diminish in force or strength.
The heat of the sun began to slake as the evening approached.
Past: slaked
Past Participle: slaked
To satisfy a desire or need, especially by providing something that quenches thirst or relieves a craving.
After a long hike, I needed to slake my thirst with some cold water.
Past: slaked
Past Participle: slaked
Slake originates from the Old English 'sleacian', meaning to lessen or to slacken. The word describes the act of satisfying or quenching, particularly thirst.
Think of 'lessening' your thirst — that's what slake means, to satisfy or quench it.