squelch 
/ˈskwɛltʃ/ verb
squelch·es; squelched; squelch·ing /ˈskwɛltʃ/ verb [+ obj] US : to stop (something) from continuing by doing or saying something
▪ A statement was made to squelch [=squash, scotch, quash] the rumors. ▪ Police squelched [=quelled] the protest. = The protest was squelched by police.
▪ A statement was made to squelch [=squash, scotch, quash] the rumors. ▪ Police squelched [=quelled] the protest. = The protest was squelched by police.
