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dampen

[ dam-puhn ]
/ ˈdæm pən /
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See synonyms for: dampen / dampened / dampening / dampener 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. 11).
verb (used without object)
to become damp.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
candystring
candyfloss
candypuff
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Origin of dampen

First recorded in 1620–30; damp + -en1

OTHER WORDS FROM dampen

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

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH dampen

damp, dampen
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to dampen

allay, chill, cloud, cool, curb, depress, diminish, discourage, dull, inhibit, moderate, mute, restrain, stifle, bedew, besprinkle, dabble, humidify, moisten, rinse

How to use dampen in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for dampen

dampen
/ (ˈdæmpən) /
verb
to make or become damp
(tr) to stifle; deaden

Derived forms of dampen

dampener, 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
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