douse / dowse are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term. 👇
douse: (verb) put out, as of a candle or a light. (verb) wet thoroughly. (verb) lower quickly. (verb) slacken.
dowse: (noun) searching for underground water or minerals by using a dowsing rod. (verb) use a divining rod in search of underground water or metal.
douse: d·AW·s
dowse: d·AW·s
(Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions drawn from WordNet.)