Doused

Doused is the past tense and past participle of the verb douse. The primary sense is to pour a liquid over something, or to soak it thoroughly. This can be done to wet an object, to extinguish a fire, or to saturate food with a sauce or liquid.

In firefighting, dousing a fire involves applying water or other extinguishing agents to reduce heat and suppress flames. In cooking and food service, dousing can refer to pouring sauces, broths, or other liquids over dishes for flavor or moisture, such as dousing grilled meat with a glaze or marinade.

Figuratively, the term can describe dampening or suppressing a mood, plan, or display of enthusiasm, as in dousing excitement with criticism. In many contexts, more precise verbs such as dampen, quench, or extinguish may be used depending on the situation.

Usage and safety considerations accompany the term. The act is not inherently dangerous, but it can create hazards if the liquid is hot, caustic, or flammable, or if electrical equipment is involved. Dousing should be performed with appropriate precautions to prevent injury or damage.

Etymology: The exact origin of douse is uncertain. The verb has been part of English usage since at least the 15th century, with senses centered on wetting, soaking, or extinguishing. Related terms include drench and soak.