slake
UK[sleɪk]US[sleɪk]
v
to satisfy a desire, need, or feeling such as thirst, curiosity, or anger
v
to cause a substance such as lime to become a powder by adding water to it
Etymology
the word 'slake' originates from the old english verb 'slacian', meaning 'to become slack or less active'. this old english term is itself derived from the adjective 'slaec', the ancestor of the modern word 'slack'. the core semantic logic traces back to the idea of loosening, abating, or diminishing intensity. over time, this sense of lessening was applied specifically to the satisfaction of thirst or desire, as if loosening their grip, and also to the chemical process of mixing quicklime with water to reduce its caustic reactivity.
Analysis
this word is a simplex form derived from a single old english root.
Examples
he stopped at a stream to slake his thirst.
her extensive reading slaked her curiosity about ancient cultures.
the mason will slake the lime before using it in the mortar.