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

But these changes and his expansion to New York haven’t dampened his commitment to Shanghai’s vibrant art scene. —Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 25 Feb. 2025

That decision has dampened the mood of fans globally and enraged Pakistani ones, denying the hosts the chance to face off against their neighbor and biggest rival on home turf. —Sophia Saifi, CNN, 22 Feb. 2025

In defense of repeal, the estate tax to many legislators was supposed to dampen wealth concentration. —Martin Shenkman, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025

Enthusiasm to arm Ukraine has dampened in Europe and the United States. —New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for dampen

• rifampin

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