What does the verb "quell" mean?

The verb "quell" means to suppress or crush completely, making it synonymous with putting an end to something forcefully. It is often used in contexts where there is a need to calm or eliminate disturbances, such as riots, anger, or fears. For example, if a government takes measures to quell a protest, it intends to bring it under control, often through authoritative means. This captures the essence of containment and control inherent in the word "quell". The other meanings, such as encouraging, expressing joy, or elevating, do not align with the definition of "quell," reinforcing that the focus is on suppression rather than any form of positive reinforcement or upliftment.