Meaning
- (verb) To plunge suddenly into water; to duck; to immerse.
- (verb) To fall suddenly into water.
- (verb) To put out; to extinguish.
- (verb) To strike, beat, or thrash.
- (verb) To strike or lower in haste; to slacken suddenly “Douse the topsail!”
About this word
Doused carries a neutral register, making it appropriate for both casual and formal contexts. It describes the action of immersing something suddenly in water, often evoking vivid imagery of a person or object being plunged or soaked. The term can convey a sense of urgency or surprise, as in the case of a sudden downpour or an unexpected splash.
This verb frequently appears in various contexts, including literature and everyday conversation. Phrases like 'doused in water' or 'doused with confusion' illustrate its versatility. In storytelling, one might describe a character being doused to emphasize an emotional or dramatic moment, while in sports, a coach might be doused with water after a victory to celebrate.
For puzzle enthusiasts, doused scores 8 points in Scrabble, making it a reasonable choice for competitive play. Its six letters and three vowels also qualify it for Wordle, where players can use it as a strategic guess. Sub-words such as dosed, dose, and dude can be formed from its letters, providing additional options for word games.
The origin of doused likely traces back to the Middle English word 'dousen,' which means to plunge or duck, dating to around the 14th century. This root reflects a historical use connected to water immersion. While the spelling has evolved, the core meaning has remained consistent. Doused can be used in both its simple and past participle forms, retaining its clarity and impact in language.
Using Doused in a sentence
- The children were doused with water during the summer games.
- After the unexpected rain, she found herself doused and shivering on the porch.
- In the laboratory, the samples were doused with a preservative to ensure longevity.
- He was doused in disbelief when she announced her sudden departure.
Origin of Doused
Doused likely comes from the Middle English word 'dousen,' which means to plunge or duck, dating back to the 14th century. This term reflects a historical usage related to immersing in water. Over time, the spelling has evolved, but the core meaning associated with sudden immersion has remained consistent. The precise origin is debated.
Letter breakdown
- Doused contains 6 letters: 3 vowel(s) and 3 consonant(s).
- It uses 5 unique letters.
- Estimated syllable count: 2.
- Scrabble-style letter score: 8.
Words from these letters
Connected words
Other 6-letter words
- abacus
- abased
- abases
- abated
- abates
- abbess
- abbeys
- abbots
- abbrev
- abduct
- abhors
- abided
- abides
- abject
- abjure
- ablaze
- ablest
- abloom
Words starting with DOU
- double
- doubled
- doubles
- doublet
- doublets
- doubling
- doubloon
- doubloons
- doubly
- doubt
- doubted
- doubter
- doubters
- doubtful
- doubtfully
- doubting
- doubtless
- doubtlessly
See all words starting with DOU →
Words ending with SED
Reader questions
What does Doused mean?
To plunge suddenly into water; to duck; to immerse.
How many letters are in Doused?
Doused has 6 letters.
Is doused a common word in puzzles?
Doused appears regularly in crosswords and daily puzzles, often as a medium-difficulty entry, particularly due to its straightforward meaning.
What is the register of the word doused?
Doused has a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts, from casual conversations to formal writing.
Where does the word doused come from?
The word doused likely originates from Middle English, specifically the term 'dousen,' relating to plunging or immersing in water.
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