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

• bedew
• damp
• moisten

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

But that doesn’t dampen the legacy that Teonna will go on to create. —Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2025

Oil prices fell to the lowest level since 2021 as investors feared a recession would dampen demand. —Medora Lee, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025

What to Know Economists warn the tariffs could dampen economic growth, slow hiring, and increase consumer prices. —Newsweek Staff, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Apr. 2025

Higher interest rates tend to dampen demand for goods and services, which in theory should drive prices downward. —David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 2 Apr. 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