The meaning of QUELL is to thoroughly overwhelm and reduce to submission or passivity. How to use quell in a sentence. QUELL definition: to suppress; put an end to; extinguish.

Understanding the Context

See examples of quell used in a sentence. QUELL definition: 1. to stop something, especially by using force: 2. to stop something, especially by using force….

Key Insights

Learn more. 1. to suppress; subdue; crush: to quell an uprising. 2. to quiet; allay: to quell a child's fear of thunder.

Final Thoughts

Definition of quell verb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. quell something/somebody to stop something such as violent behaviour or protests. Extra police were called in to quell the disturbances. (figurative) She started to giggle, but Bob quelled her with a look. WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026 quell (kwel), v.t. to suppress; put an end to; extinguish: The troops quelled the rebellion quickly.

to vanquish; subdue. to quiet or allay (emotions, anxieties, etc.): The child's mother quelled his fears of the thunder. quell (third-person singular simple present quells, present participle quelling, simple past and past participle quelled) (transitive) To subdue, put down, or silence (someone or something); to force (someone) to submit. [from 10th c.]