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

Party leaders fear that a general election without a Democrat at the top of the ticket could dampen turnout statewide, potentially jeopardizing key congressional races as Democrats seek to reclaim control of the House. —Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 13 Apr. 2026

After cleaning, use a second cloth dampened with plain water to wipe away any leftover soap. —Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026

Wipe windows down with a washcloth slightly dampened with the vinegar-water solution. —Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 11 Apr. 2026

That didn't dampen their enthusiasm for the bots though, says Zhang. —New Atlas, 10 Apr. 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