dampen

[dam-puh n]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR dampen ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

to make damp; moisten: to dampen a sponge.

to dull or deaden; depress: to dampen one's spirits.

damp(def 10).

verb (used without object)

to become damp.

Nearby words

Origin of dampen

First recorded in 1620–30; damp + -en¹

Related formsdamp·en·er, nounun·damp·ened, adjective

Can be confuseddamp dampen moist (see synonym study at damp)

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for dampen

Not even the use of Coldplay can dampen the patriotic spirit of this video.
Viral Video of the Day: Go, Team USA, GO!|Alex Chancey|June 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Democrats hold an advantage today with female voters that, if maintained, will dampen any potential for a GOP wave in November.
Win Women, Win the Midterms|Kristen Soltis Anderson|April 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
More importantly, neither Iran-Contra nor impeachment were enough to dampen public affection for either president.
Worst Fifth Year Ever? Maybe. But the Economy Will be the Judge of Obama|Jamelle Bouie|December 18, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Cohen says the NYPD was only trying to dampen the controversy.
NYPD on the Real ‘Enemies Within’: Going Undercover With Jihadis|Michael Daly|September 9, 2013|DAILY BEAST

But its high-profile use for a baby girl is likely to dampen its rise as a boy's name.
North West: Behind Kim and Kanye’s Odd Baby Name Choice|Pamela Redmond Satran/Nameberry, Linda Rosenkrantz|June 21, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Do not dampen her joy, by comparing her happiness with the misery of another.
The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness|Florence Hartley
If the centre of the piece puckers, dampen it again till you have pressed it out thoroughly.
The Library of Work and Play: Needlecraft|Effie Archer Archer
Make not many promises without reflection, lest thou fail to fulfill them and it dampen the confidence of thy friend.
William Clayton's Journal|William Clayton
Or if oyster dressing is preferred, omit sage and add instead one pint of oysters, using the liquor to dampen the bread.
Cookery for Little Girls|Olive Hyde Foster
But we never permitted any question of priority to dampen our interest in the thing.
Virginia: The Old Dominion|Frank W. Hutchins and Cortelle Hutchins

British Dictionary definitions for dampen

dampen

verb

to make or become damp

(tr) to stifle; deaden

Derived Formsdampener, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for dampen

dampen

1630s, "to dull or deaden" (of force, enthusiasm, ardor, etc.), from damp (adj.) + -en (1). Meaning "to moisten" is recorded from 1827. Related: Dampened; dampening.

dampen

verb (used with object)

verb (used without object)

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of dampen

Examples from the Web for dampen

dampen

verb

dampen