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
But Powell could also sound hawkish next week and dampen expectations for further rate cuts.
—
Sean Conlon, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2025
With turnout dampened by the holiday week, both sides are bracing for a close finish in a race that has become a test of national political strength.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2025
Even when the series de-ages him in a later episode, the effect can’t dampen Kotsur’s inherent magnetism and ability to become a man whose mind is always working all the angles.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for dampen
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Sean Conlon, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2025
With turnout dampened by the holiday week, both sides are bracing for a close finish in a race that has become a test of national political strength.
—Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Dec. 2025
Even when the series de-ages him in a later episode, the effect can’t dampen Kotsur’s inherent magnetism and ability to become a man whose mind is always working all the angles.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 1 Dec. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for dampen
Cite this Entry
“Dampen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dampen. Accessed 8 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
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