1. satisfy (one's thirst) by drinking. 2. satisfy (a desire): he only pursued her to quench an aching need 3. extinguish (a fire): firemen hauled on hoses in a desperate bid to quench the flames 4. stifle or suppress (a feeling): fury rose in him, but he quenched it 5. rapidly cool (red-hot metal or other material), especially in cold water or oil.