quells
Stops a disturbance
Quells means suppresses or puts an end to something.
You quell a rebellion, quell fears, quell rumors.
The word suggests forceful or decisive action against something that threatens to grow or spread: The police quelled the riot.
She quelled her doubts and signed the contract.
crushes
Compresses with force
stifles · smothers · represses · extinguishes · quashes · stamps out · puts down · squelches · defeats · overpowers
soothes
Gently relieves distress
settles · tranquilizes · quiets · stills · mollifies · placates · appeases · gentles · sedates · softens
suppression vs. instigation
quellsincites
Urges toward action
ignites · sparks · provokes · instigates · triggers
calming vs. intensifying
quellsaggravates
Makes more severe
inflames · exacerbates · intensifies · escalates · fuels