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.
Even with dampening foam and lubricated switches, the sound of the keys lack the thocc from other setups. Gieson Cacho, The Mercury News, 14 Feb. 2025 Economists say disruptions related to the catastrophic Los Angeles fires and severe winter storms dampened job gains in January, but the labor market proved strong enough to withstand those disruptions. Compiled Bydemocrat-Gazette Stafffrom Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 8 Feb. 2025 The Republican Party writ large is still skeptical of unions, dampening chances that labor leaders will see a meaningful shift in policy over the next four years. David Sivak, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 6 Feb. 2025 Buyers out shopping in December were facing a big jump in mortgage interest rates, which may have dampened demand. Diana Olick, CNBC, 30 Jan. 2025 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 21 Feb. 2025.

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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