dampen

verb

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

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 How to pronounce dampen (audio)
ˈdam-pə-
noun

Synonyms of dampen

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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.
Wipe the shutters with a clean cloth dampened with only water to get rid of any soapy residue, or rinse with a garden hose, using a gentle spray. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 4 Aug. 2026 But those conditions could not dampen the spirit of the fans – many of whom traveled thousands of miles to be part of history – or the players. — Dan Freedman, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026 And even the rain that steadily fell through the day and evening couldn’t dampen that feeling. — Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 1 Aug. 2026 Washington — The world’s largest economy lost steam heading into summer as red-hot demand for AI infrastructure widened the trade deficit, dampening growth. — Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 30 July 2026 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

Rhymes for dampen

See All Rhymes for dampen

Browse Nearby Words

damp course
dampen
dampener
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Cite this Entry

“Dampen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dampen. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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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
ˈdamp-(ə-)nər How to pronounce dampen (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on dampen

Nglish: Translation of dampen for Spanish Speakers

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