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dampen

verb

damp·​en ˈdam-pən How to pronounce dampen (audio)
dampened; dampening ˈdamp-niŋ How to pronounce dampen (audio)
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

intransitive verb

1
: to become damp
2
: to become deadened or depressed
dampener
ˈdamp-nər How to pronounce dampen (audio)
ˈdam-pə-
noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In response to community feedback, the city has also installed acoustic sound-dampening panels to help reduce noise for nearby neighbors. Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 30 Nov. 2025 This season, the Ducks’ 11-3-1 mark after 15 games was dampened by a much shorter slump, three losses, with their roster bolstered by a much stronger commitment from management as well as the development of young players across two seasons under Cronin. Andrew Knoll, Oc Register, 29 Nov. 2025 But neuroimaging shows that those habits light up the worry circuits and dampen the reward circuits of the brain. Dr. Daniel Amen, Time, 26 Nov. 2025 The early fervor for Summit FC, which is closing in on 20,000 fans on its season-ticket deposit list, hasn’t been dampened by some drama between the club and Denver City Council over the plans to build a 14,500-seat stadium and entertainment district at Santa Fe Yards. Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 25 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dampen

Word History

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dampen was in 1547

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Cite this Entry

“Dampen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dampen. Accessed 2 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

dampen

verb
damp·​en ˈdam-pən How to pronounce dampen (audio)
dampened; dampening ˈdamp-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce dampen (audio)
1
: to check or lessen in activity or vigor : deaden
2
: to make or become damp
dampener noun

More from Merriam-Webster on dampen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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