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

Such a spending pullback is also likely to dampen company sales, Dimon suggested, causing some firms to fail to make debt payments and default on loans. —Paul Davidson, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2025

These tariffs are expected to disrupt global trade, increase costs for businesses, and further dampen consumer spending, adding pressure on corporate earnings and economic growth. —Tony Zhang, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025

The dynamic would likely keep borrowing costs higher for businesses, dampening growth prospects for those unable to invest in and expand their operations. —Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025

Surprisingly, even tariffs as high as 104% haven't dampened these sellers' confidence. —Kiri Masters, Forbes.com, 8 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