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
That difference may dampen public backlash.
—
Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026
Once the burners are completely cool, use a cloth dampened with plain water to wipe off the spill.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2026
To see him in such high spirits, seemingly not dampened by being rested for the final half-hour as Chelsea continue to manage his minutes, was a rare treat.
—Cerys Jones, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Diggins said the setback did little to dampen her confidence.
—CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dampen
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Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026
Once the burners are completely cool, use a cloth dampened with plain water to wipe off the spill.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2026
To see him in such high spirits, seemingly not dampened by being rested for the final half-hour as Chelsea continue to manage his minutes, was a rare treat.
—Cerys Jones, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026
Diggins said the setback did little to dampen her confidence.
—CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dampen
Cite this Entry
“Dampen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dampen. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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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