Dowsed

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Tried to find underground water by using a forked stick or rod that is believed to move when placed over a water source
2. Sought hidden water beneath the ground by holding a special rod thought to respond to water presence
3. Used a dowsing rod or similar tool to locate water sources below the earth's surface

Etymology: Water diviners have long relied on a forked twig or rod, and German miners called it a "Wünschelrute," or wishing rod. The German scholar Georgius Agricola described such rods being used to locate metal ores in his book on mining. The English verb's origin is uncertain. It may be linked to a Middle English verb meaning to strike, which would suit the jolt a diviner feels when the rod dips, but this connection is not firmly established. It is often confused with "douse," meaning to drench or extinguish, though the two words are not clearly related.

Synonyms: extinguished, quenched, dampened, soaked, saturated

Antonyms: kindled, ignited, lit, sparked, increased