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.
An internal polymer maximizes energy transfer and dampens vibration – making shots feel soft and powerful, while soaring high and tight. — Scott Kramer, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 She was tasked with balancing inflation control against the risk of rate hikes dampening economic recovery. — CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026 Fisk and Overton use three surveys to trace how expectations of harsher penalties for failure can dampen women’s leadership ambitions. — Laura Clawson, JSTOR Daily, 28 Aug. 2026 Use a cleaning cloth dampened with warm water and a drop of gentle dish soap, then wipe the area dry. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 27 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 4 Sep. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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