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

Rain and inclement weather failed to dampen the hopes of the first-year Flanagan track coach Jaysha Carter at the FHSAA 4A state track and field finals at Hodges Stadium at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville on Saturday evening. —Gary Curreri, Sun Sentinel, 10 May 2026

Volatility hasn't dampened demand for municipal bonds. —Michelle Fox, CNBC, 8 May 2026

Take a microfiber towel dampened with a mixture of Castile soap and water to clean the remote. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 5 May 2026

Researchers at the Yale lab haven’t allowed the uncertainty to dampen the pace of their work. —Shahrzad Rasekh, Hartford Courant, 3 May 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