Dousing

Dousing, in its primary sense, refers to the act of pouring a liquid over something or someone, often suddenly and generously. This can be literal, as in extinguishing a fire with water, or figurative, expressing the application of something overwhelming or intense, such as information or sunlight. It can also relate to the practice of locating underground water or other hidden substances using a divining rod or other instruments. The word implies a sudden and often forceful application of a substance or activity, resulting in saturation or quenching.

Dousing meaning with examples

• The firefighters rushed to the scene and began dousing the flames with water cannons, desperately trying to contain the raging inferno and prevent it from spreading to the nearby buildings. Their efforts were crucial.
• Exhausted from his workout, he went to the fountain and began dousing himself with cold water, desperately seeking relief from the scorching heat and the burning sensation in his muscles after the intense workout.
• The detective suspected foul play, so he decided to douse the crime scene with forensic powder to reveal the slightest hint of evidence, uncovering clues that would have remained unseen otherwise.
• The new employee, overwhelmed with information on their first day, felt as though the manager was dousing them with details. They struggled to absorb everything as quickly as possible to not be overwhelmed.
• During the drought, farmers used advanced irrigation techniques to douse their fields with water, attempting to salvage the dying crops from the scorching sun and severe lack of rainfall that plagued them.