dampen

[dam-puhn]

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.

verb (used without object)

1. to become damp.

dampen

/ ˈdæmpən /

verb

1. to make or become damp

2. (tr) to stifle; deaden

Other Word Forms

• dampener noun
• undampened adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dampen¹

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

Example Sentences

That may have worked in the past, but Kodali said all sorts of issues may be dampening people’s moods — like the shortage of affordable housing, worries about AI and immigration-related arrests.

Read more on MarketWatch

Importantly, brands said that modest tariff-related price increases hadn’t dampened the resurgence.

Read more on Barron's

Importantly, brands said that modest tariff-related price increases hadn’t dampened the resurgence.

Read more on Barron's

The outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, which also predicted the weakest holiday season for retail hiring in more than 15 years, said tariffs, inflation and reliance on automation are dampening demand for seasonal hires.

Read more on BBC

“Greater uncertainty likely led to increased precautionary behavior by households and businesses, dampening consumption and investment,” it said.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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