dampen

verb

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

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 2b

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.
That could indicate that the presence of other compounds in the body might dampen free radical creation. — Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 Meanwhile, the weather pattern has dampened hurricanes in the Atlantic, where the ACE is less than 18% of what's normal for this time of year. — CBS News, 13 Oct. 2026 The president and his allies have warned that legal hurdles and uncertainty affecting key projects could dampen investor confidence. — Martin K.n Siele, semafor.com, 12 Oct. 2026 Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, Joey Logano and Ty Gibbs also suffered either penalties or damage that dampened their day early. — Charlotte Observer, 11 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 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
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