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

The idea that any American policy can effectively dampen Chinese ambition may be far-fetched. —Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 14 June 2025

Some industry experts argue that the bureaucratic framework established by the Act risks dampening enthusiasm around the concept of data altruism itself. —Nino Letteriello, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025

High levels of debt put upward pressure on interest rates, crowding out private investment and dampening long-term growth prospects. —Veronique De Rugy, Oc Register, 12 June 2025

While the physiology isn’t fully understood, the worms seem to dampen inflammation, as discussed in the 2024 Annual Review of Nutrition. —Smithsonian Magazine, 12 June 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