verb
drench
drehnch
Drench (verb) means to soak someone or something completely by pouring or splashing liquid on it, or by immersing it. Example: “A sudden downpour drenched everyone waiting at the bus stop.”
verb
1
To soak someone or something completely by pouring or splashing liquid on it, or by immersing it.
"A sudden downpour drenched everyone waiting at the bus stop."
"He drenched the salad in dressing."
noun
1
A dose of medicine given to an animal, often forced down its throat.
"The farmer gave the sheep a drench to treat worms."
How to use drench
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make something thoroughly wet, or (on a farm) to force-feed an animal liquid medicine.
Common mistake
In everyday speech "drenched" almost always means soaking wet; the farming sense (medicine dose) is a separate, narrower usage.
Common pairings
drenched in rain
drenched with sweat
a drench for livestock
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like drench.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- drenches
- Third person singular
- drenches
- Past tense
- drenched, drencht
- Archaic forms
- drenchest, drenchedst, drencheth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A sudden downpour _____ everyone waiting at the bus stop.
Etymology
From Old English drenc, meaning a drink or dose of medicine — related to the word "drink."
Related words
Rhymes for drench
See all rhymes for drench →Frequently asked questions
What does “drench” mean?
The word “drench” means to soak someone or something completely by pouring or splashing liquid on it, or by immersing it. In plain terms, to make something thoroughly wet, or (on a farm) to force-feed an animal liquid medicine.
How do you pronounce “drench”?
“Drench” is pronounced drehnch (/dɹɛnt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “drench” in a sentence?
Here is “drench” used in a sentence: “A sudden downpour drenched everyone waiting at the bus stop.”
What part of speech is “drench”?
Depending on how it is used, “drench” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “drench” come from?
The word “drench” comes from Old English. From Old English drenc, meaning a drink or dose of medicine — related to the word "drink.".
How many meanings does “drench” have?
“Drench” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to soak someone or something completely by pouring or splashing liquid on it, or by immersing it.
