English Dictionary

Definition of “dowse”

dowse1 (daʊs Pronunciation for dowse1

Definitions

verb, noun

  1. a variant spelling of douse1

Derived Forms

ˈdowser noun

dowse2 (daʊz Pronunciation for dowse2

Definitions

verb

  1. intr to search for underground water, minerals, etc, using a divining rod; divine

Derived Forms

ˈdowser noun

Word Origin

C17: of unknown origin

douse1 or dowse (daʊs Pronunciation for )

Definitions

verb

  1. to plunge or be plunged into water or some other liquid; duck
  2. tr to drench with water, esp in order to wash or clean
  3. tr to put out (a light, candle, etc)

noun

  1. an immersion

Derived Forms

ˈdouser, ˈdowser noun

Word Origin

C16: perhaps related to obsolete douse to strike, of obscure origin

Synonyms

View thesaurus entry
= put out, smother, blow out, extinguish, snuff (out)
= drench, soak, steep, saturate, duck, submerge, immerse, dunk, souse, plunge into water

Example Sentences Including 'dowse'

Firefighters were to continue to dowse the cylinder overnight.
Glasgow Herald (2001)
He re-emerged in the limelight a millionaire, having successfully used his weird abilities to dowse for copper and gold.
Campbell, Eileen & Brennan, J. H. Dictionary of Mind, Body and Spirit

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