dampen

1 of 2

verb

damp·​en ˈdam-pən 

dampened; dampening ˈdamp-niŋ 

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

: damp sense 2b

intransitive verb

1

: to become damp

2

: to become deadened or depressed

dampener

ˈdamp-nər 

ˈdam-pə-

noun

dampener

2 of 2

noun

damp·​en·​er ˈdam-pə-nər 

plural -s

: one that dampens: such as

a

: a device for dampening cloth (as in a laundry)

b

: a worker that dampens articles in preparation for further processing:

(1)

: one that tempers shoe outsoles to facilitate cutting, shaping, and stitching

called also muller

(2)

: one that dampens textiles (as hosiery or cloth) for boarding or ironing

(3)

: one that softens hides in warm water

c

: a device for retarding the oscillations of a spring when a load is suddenly applied or removed

d

: any of the rollers on an offset printing press that convey water to nonprinting areas of the printing surface

Synonyms of dampen

Verb

• moisten
• damp
• wet
• rinse
• wash
• flush

Examples of dampen in a Sentence

Verb

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

Verb

Alessandro Bastoni’s 68th-minute equaliser here, denying France a third straight win under Zidane to begin his reign, did not really dampen the crowd’s enthusiasm. — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026

As a result, this yield spike is driving mortgage rates higher, dampening housing demand among homebuyers. — CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026

The Science Behind The Concept Research indicates that music reduces cortisol levels​, the stress hormone that impairs decision-making and dampens focus. — Roy Ward, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

But El Niño can disrupt the winds, dampening upwelling and reducing the food supply. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1547, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for dampen

• rifampin

Kids Definition

dampen

verb

damp·​en ˈdam-pən 

dampened; dampening ˈdamp-(ə-)niŋ 

1

: to check or lessen in activity or vigor : deaden

2

: to make or become damp

dampener

ˈdamp-(ə-)nər 

noun