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.
Freshman Matthew Smith, who joined the club last fall, did not let being in the water dampen his enthusiasm for sailing. Susan Degrane, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025 If the courts are permanently enacted, staff will look into adding additional measures including sound dampening panels, painting new parking stalls away from the neighborhood and painting a red curb for emergency vehicle parking. Stephanie Lam, Mercury News, 22 May 2025 He was sentenced to nine days in jail, but his new film suggests that the experience has by no means dampened the fire in his filmmaking. Damon Wise, Deadline, 22 May 2025 In addition, Los Angeles County lost more than 11,000 homes in January’s firestorms, further dampening sales. Jeff Collins, Oc Register, 21 May 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dampen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dampen. Accessed 28 May. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!