What does slake mean?
Slake is a literary verb meaning to quench or satisfy a thirst, and, figuratively, to allay a strong desire or feeling. Its best-known use is in the phrase "slake thirst," where it describes drinking something that relieves dryness or thirst. The verb can also be used more broadly for satisfying a need or moderating an intense emotion, as when an apology slakes someone's anger. In contemporary English, slake sounds formal, archaic, or elevated rather than everyday; "quench" and "satisfy" are its usual modern equivalents. The word is especially useful in literary or figurative contexts because it gives the idea of thirst and relief a vivid, traditional quality without being restricted to literal drinking.
verbTo satisfy or quench a thirst, or figuratively to satisfy a desire or need. The word is chiefly literary or archaic and is especially used in the expression "slake thirst."
- To quench or satisfy thirst.
- To satisfy or allay a desire, need, or feeling such as anger.
"After a long walk through the hills, they stopped by the spring to slake their thirst."
"A cool glass of lemonade helped to slake her thirst."
"The apology slaked the anger that had been building among the guests."
Slake is to quench what thirst—or a figurative thirst—leaves unanswered.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does slake come from?
Slake developed from an Old English verb meaning to become slack or to relax, with senses connected to easing or satisfying. The modern meaning of quenching or satisfying a thirst developed through the idea of relieving or allaying a need. The word belongs to the same historical root as slack and slacken, which preserve meanings involving looseness, reduced tension, or diminished intensity.
Related word forms
How slake is actually used
Chiefly literary, archaic, or deliberately formal in modern English. It is most familiar from the fixed phrase "slake thirst" and often has a slightly elevated tone.
Easily confused with slake
To slake means to quench or satisfy a thirst or desire, whereas slack means loose, lax, or insufficiently careful.