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

If your mirror has dried up toothpaste, sticky fingerprints, hairspray buildup, or other stubborn smudges, dampen a corner of a microfiber cloth in rubbing alcohol and dab at the area to clean it. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 15 Nov. 2025

Shane Bieber's surprising decision to pick up his $16 million player option dampens the need for rotation help, but the Blue Jays will pursue both starters and relievers this winter. —Patrick McAvoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025

Studies have shown that a single session of exposure therapy can produce measurable neural changes, dampening activity in the brain’s fear network and reorganizing responses to feared stimuli. —Maria Williams, USA Today, 12 Nov. 2025

Propst hasn’t allowed the grisly encounter with the bruin to dampen his enthusiasm for the chase. —John McCoy, Outdoor Life, 12 Nov. 2025

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