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.
In fact, the humidity on its way to dampen Ohioans' spirit this week is from the Gulf of Mexico and from a front moving in from the West and the South, according to Campbell. Grace Tucker, The Enquirer, 24 July 2025 And evidence suggests that paying an entrance fee doesn’t dampen visitors’ enjoyment of their visit. Tate Watkins, Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2025 With demand poised to further dampen, U.S. EV sales only grew by 10% in 2024 compared to a 40% spike the year prior, according to the International Energy Agency. Stuart Dyos, The Tennessean, 23 July 2025 Might this dampen large donor motivation to give at a time when many charities will have greater need for donor generosity to replace government funding that will be reduced? Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 14 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dampen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dampen. Accessed 29 Jul. 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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