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
The economy hasn’t dampened the growth of the company, which is expected to close 2025 with sales of 27 million euros, up 15 percent on 2024.
—
Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2025
Some early studies suggest that taking these anti-inflammatory drugs before or immediately after a shot might dampen your immune system’s response, since inflammation helps your body create antibodies.
—Ashley Wong, Health, 8 Oct. 2025
All of that dirt wouldn’t entirely dampen the sound of your screaming, so there’s always the chance some benevolent gravedigger could save you.
—Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2025
In addition, more doctor's offices may opt against stocking the new vaccines because of concerns the debate may further dampen demand, requiring people to go elsewhere, such as a pharmacy.
—Pien Huang, NPR, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dampen
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Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 2025
Some early studies suggest that taking these anti-inflammatory drugs before or immediately after a shot might dampen your immune system’s response, since inflammation helps your body create antibodies.
—Ashley Wong, Health, 8 Oct. 2025
All of that dirt wouldn’t entirely dampen the sound of your screaming, so there’s always the chance some benevolent gravedigger could save you.
—Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2025
In addition, more doctor's offices may opt against stocking the new vaccines because of concerns the debate may further dampen demand, requiring people to go elsewhere, such as a pharmacy.
—Pien Huang, NPR, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dampen
Cite this Entry
“Dampen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dampen. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.
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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