1. To cause bodily suffering to; SYN. trouble, ail, pain.
2. To cause great unhappiness for.
3. To cause pain or suffering in; SYN. smite.

ETYM Old Eng. quellen to kill, AS. cwellan, causative of cwelan to die; akin to Old High Germ. quellen to torment, Icel. kvelja. Related to Quail to cower.
To overcome or allay; SYN. stay, appease.