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

• moisten
• damp
• wet
• rinse
• flush
• wash

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

While the data during the peak of the Covid closures was even weaker, the increasing number of store closures and mounting cost pressures on tenants are likely to further dampen rent growth in the next several quarters, the report concluded. —Kevin Williams, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2025

Lightly dampen the cloth in soapy water if that hair spray and mousse aren't coming off. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Sep. 2025

Rain couldn’t dampen spirits in Milan as guests crowded the entryway—always the sign of a good party. —Sofia Viganò, Vogue, 25 Sep. 2025

Loop’s Experience line is specially made for concerts by dampening the decibels without sacrificing the performer’s sound quality. —Jessica Comstock, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 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