dampen
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
verb
-
to make or become damp
-
(tr) to stifle; deaden
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
-
dampensimple
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dampenssimple
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have dampenedperfect
-
has dampenedperfect
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am dampeningprogressive
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are dampeningprogressive
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is dampeningprogressive
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have been dampeningperfect progressive
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has been dampeningperfect progressive
Past
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dampenedsimple
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had dampenedperfect
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was dampeningprogressive
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were dampeningprogressive
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had been dampeningperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of dampen
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.
Vocabulary lists containing dampen
Out of the Dust
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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
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Undefeated
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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 a sheet of paper, and then apply a very little red, blue, and yellow, washing the three colors down the sheet.
From Text Books of Art Education, Book IV (of 7) by Froehlich, Hugo B.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
