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

The stunning ending dampened what had been a tremendous comeback as the Knights fought back from a 15-point deficit in the first half to tie the game with 25 seconds left. —Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2026

After each set of waves, the control room would repeat the test, only with the turbulence-dampening software turned on this time. —Burkhard Bilger, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026

Xiaomi Xiaomi launched its latest flagship smartphones globally on Saturday as an unprecedented surge in memory chip prices threatens to dampen sales. —Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2026

And while not all six planets will be visible to the naked eye, that sobering fact shouldn't dampen stargazers' enthusiasm for witnessing what will still be an incredible spectacle. —Eric Lagatta, AZCentral.com, 27 Feb. 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