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

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

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 world’s major oil producers agreed to raise output again, a move that raised fears of a supply glut and could further dampen prices. —J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2025

The Hope Florida Foundation scandal consumed this year’s legislative session and has dampened prospects of Casey DeSantis running to succeed her husband in 2026. —Lawrence Mower, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025

On one hand, fewer borrowing options may dampen demand and encourage schools to keep costs in check. —Preston Fore, Fortune, 3 Oct. 2025

The result has been higher long-term borrowing costs, further dampening investment. —Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2025

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