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

Her solo spinoff, 2021's Black Widow, made only $379 million, with a release dampened by the COVID-19 pandemic. —Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Jan. 2026

George Kittle's season was over, a torn right Achilles tendon for the star tight end that dampened the mood in a playoff win that kept the San Francisco 49ers in the hunt for a Super Bowl. —CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026

Despite the rainy downpour at the 2010 Golden Globes, nothing could dampen Aniston's star power that night. —Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 11 Jan. 2026

Once the product has had a chance to soak in, blot the area with a towel dampened with water to remove any residue. —Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 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