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

“We are now less optimistic that Cathay can fully pass through higher fuel costs to consumers,” she adds, noting that a full pass-through would dampen passenger demand.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026

“We want to get rid of the cyclicality or at least dampen the cyclicality,” Goeckeler said.

From Barron's • May 20, 2026

Civil liberties groups have reacted to the 2026 race by trying to deepen, not dampen, voter engagement.

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2026

Many economists say this leaves India with little choice but to accept some economic pain: external shocks such as higher oil prices inevitably push up costs, weaken currencies and dampen consumer demand.

From BBC • May 14, 2026

Adam swallowed saliva to dampen his dry throat.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck

Related Words

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