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.
Meanwhile, a weaker-than-expected jobs report has dampened the argument for rate hikes in September. — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026 Tehran’s statement dampened hopes that a deal with Oman could provide a route for commercial shipping sooner than the US and Iran could reach their own agreement. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 11 Aug. 2026 Spot treating fresh stains with a cloth or napkin dampened with plain water can often get rid of the problem. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 9 Aug. 2026 Two straight losses haven't done much to dampen the excitement around Fenway Park. — Aaron Parseghian, CBS News, 9 Aug. 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

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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 16 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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