douse
10 synonyms and 1 antonym for douse, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To drench something thoroughly with liquid.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To drench something thoroughly with liquid.
“He doused the campfire with a bucket of water.”
2. verb
To put out a flame or light.
“They doused the candles before leaving the room.”
Opposites
How to use douse
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
douse with water
douse the flames
douse a fire
Etymology
Probably from a North Germanic root related to Swedish dunsa, "to fall clumsily" or "plunge down."
Full origin of douse →Frequently asked questions
What does “douse” mean?
The word “douse” means to drench something thoroughly with liquid. In plain terms, to soak something with liquid, or to put out a fire or light.
How do you pronounce “douse”?
“Douse” is pronounced dows (/daʊs/ in IPA).
How do you use “douse” in a sentence?
Here is “douse” used in a sentence: “He doused the campfire with a bucket of water.”
What part of speech is “douse”?
“Douse” is a verb.
Where does the word “douse” come from?
The word “douse” comes from Germanic. Probably from a North Germanic root related to Swedish dunsa, "to fall clumsily" or "plunge down.".
How many meanings does “douse” have?
“Douse” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to drench something thoroughly with liquid.
Related words
hose down
