Dictionary
1douse
verb \ˈdau̇s also ˈdau̇z\
doused also dowseddous·ing also dows·ing
Definition of DOUSE
transitive verb
1
: to plunge into water
3
: extinguish <douse the lights>
intransitive verb
: to fall or become plunged into water
— dous·er also dows·er noun
Variants of DOUSE
douse also dowse \ˈdau̇s also ˈdau̇z\
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of DOUSE
perhaps from obsolete English douse to smite
First Known Use: 1600
2douse
noun \ˈdau̇s also ˈdau̇z\
Definition of DOUSE
: a heavy drenching
First Known Use of DOUSE
1881
3douse
noun \ˈdüs, ˈdau̇s\
Definition of DOUSE
BritishOrigin of DOUSE
origin unknown
First Known Use: circa 1625
4douse
verb \ˈdau̇s\
douseddous·ing
Definition of DOUSE
transitive verb
First Known Use of DOUSE
1627
DOUSE[1] Defined for Kids
douse
verb \ˈdau̇s\
douseddous·ing
Definition of DOUSE for Kids
1
: to stick into water <He doused his head in the stream.>
2
: to throw a liquid on <The chef doused the shrimp in sauce.>
3
: to put out : extinguish <douse a light>
Learn More About DOUSE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: dousing chockPrevious Word in the Dictionary: douroucouliAll Words Near: douse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up douse? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).