dampen

[ dam-puh n ]

/ ˈdæm pən /

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

damp squib, damp-dry, damp-mop, damp-proof, dampcourse, dampen, dampener, damper, damper pedal, dampier, dampier, william

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 dampening

Indeed, Bernanke complained that fiscal policy was dampening growth.
Ben Bernanke to Congress: You’re Doing It Wrong|Daniel Gross|May 22, 2013|DAILY BEAST
If you think the pill is dampening your sex drive, it might be time to end your relationship with oral contraceptives.
Should You Quit the Pill?|Lizzie Crocker|November 6, 2011|DAILY BEAST
The market for new houses turned down sharply last month, dampening hopes for a rapid recovery.
The 20 Worst Places to Sell Your Home|Richard Florida|August 31, 2010|DAILY BEAST
A small crack in the bottom may be mended by dampening the place carefully and pressing in a little stiff clay.
The Potter's Craft|Charles F. Binns

"All right," said Betty, with a lack of enthusiasm that fell with a dampening effect upon Mollie's ears.
The Outdoor Girls in the Saddle|Laura Lee Hope
The rain came on just then and perhaps assisted in dampening their ardour.
The Escape of a Princess Pat|George Pearson
McTeague halted the mule, and drank from the tepid water in the canteen, dampening the sack around the canary's cage.
McTeague|Frank Norris
Much depends on the dampening of the paper, on its make, and chiefly on the manner of sizing it.
The Invention of Lithography|Alois Senefelder

British Dictionary definitions for dampening

dampen

/ (ˈdæmpən) /

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 dampening

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 dampening

British Dictionary definitions for dampening

dampen

verb

Word Origin and History for dampening

dampen