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 of dampen

• moisten
• damp
• wet
• rinse
• wash
• flush

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

But celebrations were dampened by Pierce’s first NFL ejection. —Paulina Dedaj, FOXNews.com, 5 Jan. 2026

How this Friday’s January jobs report could either incite or dampen the case for an interest rate cut at this month’s FOMC meeting. —Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 5 Jan. 2026

Authorities planned to look into whether sound-dampening material on the ceiling conformed with regulations and whether the candles were permitted for use in the bar. —CBS News, 3 Jan. 2026

The elimination of the de minimis exemption will likely dampen cross-border commerce flows and the associated ad spend. —Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 2 Jan. 2026

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