Quell-Quench | Commonly Confused Words

Quell

/kwel/

To put an end to something, usually by force or authority

She tried to quell her fears with a deep breath.Authorities were able to quell the unrest in the city.His calm voice helped to quell the noisy crowd.

/kwentʃ/

To satisfy thirst, to extinguish a fire, or suppress a feeling.

Quench your thirst with a refreshing lemonade.His enthusiasm was quenched by the bad news.A cool breeze quenched the summer heat.

Quell usually refers to suppressing emotions or putting an end to a disturbance.
Quench often refers to satisfying thirst or extinguishing a fire.
Remember both words can involve ending something, but quell is more about suppression and quench is about satisfaction or extinguishment.
Use quell when you want to control or put down something non-physical.
Use quench when discussing thirst or putting out flames.