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

Although federal workers are paid retroactively, a cash crunch at Christmastime can dampen retail sales and complicate travel. —Louis Jacobson and Amy Sherman, Austin American-Statesman, 29 Dec. 2024

These high rates may dampen economic activities as high borrowing costs for consumers and companies reduce spending and slow down investments. —Pushkar Mukewar, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Using a clean finger or pastry brush, dampen the edges with water. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Dec. 2024

Rain forecast for the rest of this week will likely dampen some of the holiday spirit at downtown San Jose’s Christmas in the Park display (though some people may enjoy getting out the rain jacket and umbrella and checking out the displays with fewer people around). —Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 11 Dec. 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