quell
verb

- to stop something, especially by using force

- to thoroughly overwhelm and reduce to submission or passivity

The Cambridge Dictionary / Merriam-Webster

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WORD ORIGIN

The verb "quell" has its origins in Old English, where it was spelled as cwellan. In Old English, cwellan meant "to kill" or "to cause death", which is quite a stark contrast to its modern usage. Over time, the meaning of "quell" has evolved to denote the action of suppressing or calming something rather than causing harm or death.

The transition in meaning likely occurred over centuries as language evolved and societal attitudes changed. From its original sense of causing death or harm, "quell" gradually shifted to encompass the idea of subduing or pacifying something without necessarily resorting to violence.

The modern meaning of "quell" is to suppress, alleviate, or extinguish something, such as an uprising, a disturbance, or an emotion. For example, one might quell fears, quell doubts, or quell a rebellion. It implies bringing something under control or calming it down, often through force of will, persuasion, or authority.

Overall, the etymology of "quell" illustrates how language can evolve over time, with words taking on new meanings and nuances as they are used in different contexts and cultures. From its origins meaning "to kill", "quell" has transformed into a word denoting the act of calming or suppressing, reflecting changes in societal values and linguistic conventions.

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HOW TO QUICKLY QUELL ANXIETY

Managing anxiety can be challenging, but there are simple techniques you can use to help calm yourself down quickly. Here are ten easy ways to immediately quell anxiety:

1. Deep Breathing: Practice deep breathing exercises to activate the body's relaxation response. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth.

2. Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense and then relax each muscle group in your body, starting from your toes and working your way up to your head. This technique can help release physical tension and promote relaxation.

3. Mindfulness Meditation: Take a few moments to focus on the present moment without judgment. Pay attention to your breath, bodily sensations, and the environment around you. Mindfulness meditation can help reduce anxiety by grounding you in the here and now.

4. Visualization: Close your eyes and imagine yourself in a peaceful and calming environment, such as a beach or a forest. Visualizing serene scenes can help shift your focus away from anxious thoughts and induce a sense of relaxation.

5. Listen to Soothing Music: Play calming music or nature sounds that promote relaxation. Music has the power to influence mood and can help distract your mind from anxious thoughts.

6. Practice Gratitude: Take a moment to reflect on things you are grateful for in your life. Focusing on positive aspects can shift your perspective and alleviate feelings of anxiety.

7. Sensory Grounding: Engage your sense of taste or smell. For example, by sipping a drink or sniffing a scent. This can help anchor you in the present moment and distract from anxious thoughts.

8. Progressive Countdown: Count down slowly from a higher number, such as 100 or 50, focusing on each number as you count. This can help redirect your attention away from anxious thoughts and promote a sense of calm and control.

9. Affirmations and Mantras: Repeat positive affirmations or mantras to yourself, such as "I am calm and capable" or "This too shall pass". Repeating affirmations can help shift negative thought patterns and instill a sense of calm and confidence.

10. Grounding Objects: Carry a small, comforting object with you, such as a worry stone, a smooth piece of fabric, or a small plush toy (think “worry beads”). Holding onto a grounding object can provide a sense of security and reassurance during moments of anxiety.

Remember that everyone's experience with anxiety is different, so it's essential to experiment with these techniques and find what works best for you. While we can’t always change our surroundings, we can control how we react to them.

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SMUGGLE OWAD into an English conversation, say something like:

”A special technique for quickly QUELLING anxiety is so-called ‘Box Breathing’: Inhale to the count of 4, hold to the count of 4, exhale to the count of 4, wait to the count of 4,… and repeat several times.“

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