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

Looking back, Wendy said the injury did little to dampen the celebration itself. —Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 6 June 2026

Diets rich in diverse plant fiber promote the growth of beneficial bacteria and elevate production of short-chain fatty acids — molecules like butyrate that maintain gut barrier integrity, dampen systemic inflammation and support metabolic health. —Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 6 June 2026

Take a non-abrasive, lint-free cleaning cloth, dampen it with water, and wipe the vinegar residue off the outdoor smoker. —Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 4 June 2026

Wipe cabinet doors down weekly with a soft cloth dampened with soapy water to prevent grease from building up. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 3 June 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