drench
UK[drentʃ]US[drentʃ]
v
to make someone or something extremely wet.
v
(archaic) to administer a liquid medicine to (an animal).
Etymology
the word 'drench' originates from the old english noun 'drenc', meaning 'a drink' or 'a draught', particularly one that is medicinal or poisonous. this noun is derived from the proto-germanic verb 'drinkaną', meaning 'to drink', which itself traces back to the proto-indo-european root 'dʰrenǵʰ-', also associated with drinking. the semantic evolution from 'a drink' to 'to soak thoroughly' is logical, as to drench something is to cause it to 'drink in' or absorb a large amount of liquid. the archaic veterinary sense of administering medicine directly preserves the original meaning related to giving a liquid to drink.
Analysis
the word 'drench' is a simplex form derived from old english. its core component, 'drenc', is an old english noun meaning 'drink' or 'a potion', related to the verb 'drincan' (to drink).
Examples
the sudden downpour drenched us before we could reach shelter.
be careful not to drench the soil when watering these delicate plants.
the farmer had to drench the sheep to treat the parasites.