dampened; dampening
ˈdamp-niŋ 
ˈdam-pə-
1
: to check or diminish the activity or vigor of : deaden
the heat dampened our spirits
2
: to make damp
the shower barely dampened the ground
3
Examples of dampen in a Sentence
Dampen the spot with a wet cloth.
The shower barely dampened the ground.
We wouldn't let the bad weather dampen our excitement.
Recent Examples on the Web
Even the rainy weather couldn't dampen his perspective on it.
—
Madeline Heim, Journal Sentinel, 22 June 2024
In some situations, pilots can use rudder inputs to dampen the Dutch roll by anticipating the roll and countering it with small rudder corrections.
—Michael Salerno, The Arizona Republic, 14 June 2024
Now, Modi’s BJP will need to answer the interests of its coalition allies – and face stronger checks from a resurgent opposition, which could dampen its Hindu-nationalist agenda.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN, 8 June 2024
Steinberg said the doubts expressed about the results of this year’s homeless count do not dampen the celebratory mood surrounding the results.
—Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for dampen 
Madeline Heim, Journal Sentinel, 22 June 2024
In some situations, pilots can use rudder inputs to dampen the Dutch roll by anticipating the roll and countering it with small rudder corrections.
—Michael Salerno, The Arizona Republic, 14 June 2024
Now, Modi’s BJP will need to answer the interests of its coalition allies – and face stronger checks from a resurgent opposition, which could dampen its Hindu-nationalist agenda.
—Simone McCarthy, CNN, 8 June 2024
Steinberg said the doubts expressed about the results of this year’s homeless count do not dampen the celebratory mood surrounding the results.
—Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for dampen
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dampen.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near dampen
Cite this Entry
“Dampen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dampen. Accessed 2 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dampen
verb
damp·en
ˈdam-pən
dampened; dampening
ˈdamp-(ə-)niŋ
1
: to check or lessen in activity or vigor : deaden
2
: to make or become damp
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share