# quell

/ˈkwɛɫ/ (US) · /kwˈɛl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/quell
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

to stop a fight, a protest, or a feeling like fear or anger. You use this when someone in power takes action to make a situation calm again.

For teachers: to suppress or put an end to a disturbance, rebellion, or strong emotion. Often used in political or historical contexts to describe the suppression of unrest.

## Examples

- The government sent soldiers to quell the riots.
- The leader's calm speech was intended to quell the growing fears among the citizens during the crisis.
- Historians often debate whether the military intervention was necessary to quell the uprising or if a diplomatic approach would have been more effective in the long term.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.