quelled; quelling; quells
1
: to thoroughly overwhelm and reduce to submission or passivity
quell a riot
queller
noun
Examples of quell in a Sentence
Verb
the National Guard was called in to help quell the late-night disturbances downtown
the principal held up her hand to quell the students so they could hear the urgent announcement
Recent Examples on the Web
Ben Smith, semafor.com, 2 Jan. 2026
The government appeared to take a step to quell this week's unrest by declaring a public holiday Wednesday, citing cold weather.
—Colin Sheeley, NBC news, 2 Jan. 2026
Violence against Palestinians in the West Bank has continued to escalate for months as mobs of settler extremists attempt to force the civilians out of their homes, clashing with Israel Defense Forces personnel sent to quell the crowds at times.
—Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 31 Dec. 2025
Try Timeline Skincare Mito-Biotic Firming Serum, infused with green tea, or TirTir Matcha Calming Cream to help quell redness.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 24 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quell
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Verb
The authorities have sought to respond with a wide array of concessions — including launching an anti-corruption drive and firing the head of the central bank — and are seeking to quell the protests with a shutdown of government services.
—Ben Smith, semafor.com, 2 Jan. 2026
The government appeared to take a step to quell this week's unrest by declaring a public holiday Wednesday, citing cold weather.
—Colin Sheeley, NBC news, 2 Jan. 2026
Violence against Palestinians in the West Bank has continued to escalate for months as mobs of settler extremists attempt to force the civilians out of their homes, clashing with Israel Defense Forces personnel sent to quell the crowds at times.
—Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 31 Dec. 2025
Try Timeline Skincare Mito-Biotic Firming Serum, infused with green tea, or TirTir Matcha Calming Cream to help quell redness.
—Jacqueline Kilikita, Refinery29, 24 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quell
Cite this Entry
“Quell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quell. Accessed 4 Jan. 2026.
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