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 new colossus would significantly dampen competition, Bonta and the other Democratic prosecutors argue. — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026

That has dampened conjecture that Thomas, the oldest justice at 78, might retire before then. — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 11 July 2026

Run the tablet under some warm water to dampen and soften it. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 11 July 2026

Analysts warned that the protests also risk straining South Africa’s security sector — which may further dampen business sentiment — considering the deployment required to prevent last week’s demonstrations from spiralling. — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 10 July 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