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

Lightly dampen the Magic Eraser and rub marks off of your wall, using very light pressure. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2025

Major changes are coming to health insurance in Colorado over the next two years, but members of the state’s delegation in Congress are pitching bills that would dampen the impacts of those disruptions to health care. —Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 12 Sep. 2025

But none of this has dampened the their desires to train and compete. —Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 11 Sep. 2025

By dampening activity only in these areas, RAP-219 is designed to dial down seizures without triggering any sedating/motor function side effects often associated with broader-acting drugs. —New Atlas, 11 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