dampen

verb

damp·​en ˈdam-pən How to pronounce dampen (audio)
dampened; dampening ˈdamp-niŋ How to pronounce dampen (audio)
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

intransitive verb

1
: to become damp
2
: to become deadened or depressed
dampener
ˈdamp-nər How to pronounce dampen (audio)
ˈdam-pə-
noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The difficulties during wartime never dampen his optimism. Ross Peleh, NPR, 25 Dec. 2024 Understandably, the December FOMC projections dampened expectations for 2025 interest rate cuts. Jason Schenker, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 Actually sitting through it may have dampened viewers’ enthusiasm for more. Dennis Harvey, Variety, 23 Dec. 2024 Higher interest rates and higher U.S. Treasury yields also traditionally increase competition for the safe-haven asset, dampening gold demand. Jenni Reid, CNBC, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dampen 

Word History

First Known Use

1547, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dampen was in 1547

Dictionary Entries Near dampen

Cite this Entry

“Dampen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dampen. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

dampen

verb
damp·​en ˈdam-pən How to pronounce dampen (audio)
dampened; dampening ˈdamp-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce dampen (audio)
1
: to check or lessen in activity or vigor : deaden
2
: to make or become damp
dampener noun

More from Merriam-Webster on dampen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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