dampen

verb

Save Word

damp·en | \ ˈdam-pən

dampened; dampening\ ˈdamp-niŋ

, ˈdam-pə- \

Definition of dampen

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

Other Words from dampen Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About dampen

Synonyms & Antonyms for dampen

Synonyms

Antonyms

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 Awareness of those facts should dampen any prospective coup-plotters' enthusiasm for taking the reins themselves. — Noah Millman, The Week, 3 Mar. 2022 Miss Manners trusts that the annoyance of having to stop to clear up your confusion will dampen her enthusiasm for another verse. — Washington Post, 19 Jan. 2022 Higher interest rates are a tool to tame inflation by slowing consumer demand, which in turn could dampen production and reduce jobs. — Andrew Moreau, Arkansas Online, 18 June 2022 This had led the Fed to increase interest rates in an effort to dampen consumer demand and decrease inflation. — Michelle Singletary, Washington Post, 1 June 2022 Now, traders are starting to fret more about the impact of the Fed’s moves to dampen demand and slow the economy. — Damian J. Troise And Alex Veiga, Chicago Tribune, 5 May 2022 Lightning typically happens in humid conditions, and is often accompanied by rainfall, both factors that dampen the growth of naturally occurring fires. — Corinne Purtillstaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 22 June 2022 Shoppers dampen them with cold water to keep them cool for long periods. — Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE.com, 15 May 2022 The export taxes and in some cases limits on exports of some products – for example beef – are also seen as a way to dampen inflation, which is running at about a 60% annual rate. — Howard Lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 5 May 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dampen.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.