dampen

American  

[dam-puhn] / ˈdæm pən /

verb (used with object)

1. to make damp; moisten.

   to dampen a sponge.

2. to dull or deaden; depress.

   to dampen one's spirits.

3. damp.

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verb (used without object)

1. to become damp.

dampen British  

/ ˈdæmpən /

verb

1. to make or become damp

2. (tr) to stifle; deaden

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Other Word Forms

• dampener
  noun
• undampened
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of dampen

First recorded in 1620–30; damp + -en ¹

Explanation

To dampen something is to stifle it, to lessen its effect, or to moisten it. Getting a cold will dampen your enthusiasm. This word has several related meanings, most of which make something less effective or powerful. Using a towel will dampen it in the sense of getting it wet, but dampening goes beyond things that are damp (wet). Bad news will dampen your mood, bringing it down. Boxing gloves dampen the force of punches because they cushion the blows. Anything dampened has been weakened and brought down a notch.

Example Sentences

Dampen the stone, apply the poultice a half-inch thick, then cover it with plastic and tape down the edges.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 29, 2022

Dampen the corner of a cloth, place it over the dent and position the tip of a hot, dry iron over the cloth.

From Washington Post • Oct. 8, 2021

Method: Dampen a kitchen towel and lay it on the center oven rack.

From Slate • Jun. 25, 2019

Dampen the edges with milk, turn them over to form a border and press down – you can use a fork to seal.

From The Guardian • Apr. 8, 2019

Dampen the leather as often as is necessary to keep it properly moistened.

From The Boy Mechanic: Volume 1 700 Things for Boys to Do by Popular Mechanics Co.

Related Words

• allay
• chill
• cloud
• cool
• curb
• depress
• diminish
• discourage
• dull
• inhibit
• moderate
• mute
• restrain
• stifle