dampen

verb

damp·​en ˈdam-pən How to pronounce dampen (audio)
dampened; dampening ˈdamp-niŋ How to pronounce dampen (audio)
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

intransitive verb

1
: to become damp
2
: to become deadened or depressed
dampener
ˈdamp-nər How to pronounce dampen (audio)
ˈdam-pə-
noun

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
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.
Its smooth Flĕx Wing is like an in-air shock absorber, engineered to help dampen turbulence for the industry’s smoothest ride and the best wet and dry runway performance. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2025 Soak or wipe down the blades with a cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol, or use a solution of one part hydrogen peroxide and one part water. Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 19 Oct. 2025 Their margins are slimmer, their supply chains less diverse and their negotiating power with vendors dampened by the smaller sizes of their orders. Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2025 At least for some residents, conference realignment has dampened the enjoyment. Austin Meek, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dampen

Word History

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dampen was in 1547

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dampen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dampen. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

dampen

verb
damp·​en ˈdam-pən How to pronounce dampen (audio)
dampened; dampening ˈdamp-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce dampen (audio)
1
: to check or lessen in activity or vigor : deaden
2
: to make or become damp
dampener noun

More from Merriam-Webster on dampen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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