dampened; dampening
ˈdamp-niŋ 
ˈdam-pə-
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
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 recent tape action has done nothing much to dampen the optimism.
—
Michael Santoli, CNBC, 20 Dec. 2025
After checking the soil’s moisture level, water deeply to make sure the soil is adequately dampened.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Dec. 2025
As far-right political parties have gained momentum, their agenda has dampened the European integration project.
—Matthias Matthijs, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2025
According to a scientific case report, some athletes combat soreness with one to five minutes of heat (such as a heating pad, a cloth dampened with warm water, or a warm bath), followed by one to five minutes of cold (an ice pack or a cool bath).
—Outside, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dampen
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.
Michael Santoli, CNBC, 20 Dec. 2025
After checking the soil’s moisture level, water deeply to make sure the soil is adequately dampened.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Dec. 2025
As far-right political parties have gained momentum, their agenda has dampened the European integration project.
—Matthias Matthijs, Foreign Affairs, 12 Dec. 2025
According to a scientific case report, some athletes combat soreness with one to five minutes of heat (such as a heating pad, a cloth dampened with warm water, or a warm bath), followed by one to five minutes of cold (an ice pack or a cool bath).
—Outside, 10 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dampen
Cite this Entry
“Dampen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dampen. Accessed 27 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share