To stop something, especially a disturbance, protest, or fear, often by using force or strong action.
From Old English *cwellan* meaning 'to kill, destroy', related to *cwellan* ('to kill') and *cwelan* ('to die'). Its meaning softened over time from killing to simply putting an end to something.
Quell used to mean literally 'kill', which is why it still feels stronger than just 'calm down'. When governments 'quell unrest', the word hints at forceful suppression, not gentle soothing.
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