dampen

verb

damp·​en ˈdam-pən 

dampened; dampening ˈdamp-niŋ 

ˈdam-pə-

transitive verb

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

: damp sense 1c

intransitive verb

1

: to become damp

2

: to become deadened or depressed

dampener

ˈdamp-nər 

ˈdam-pə-

noun

Synonyms

• bedew
• damp
• moisten

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

However, those gains have come with some hurdles, including a summer sell-off as sentiment dampened over the payoff from AI. —Samantha Subin, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024

However, the fiscal contraction resulting from his actions could help dampen the inflationary effects of the rest of Trump’s budget plans. —Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2024

Walls, cupboards, and even bookshelves can potentially dampen your Wi-Fi signal. —Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 1 Nov. 2024

One of the few things that could quickly dampen the outlook for consumption and the labor market would be an uncertain outcome of the U.S. presidential election. —Jason Schenker, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids 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

dampener

ˈdamp-(ə-)nər 

noun