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 ( def 11 ).

verb (used without object)

1. to become damp.

dampen

/ ˈdæmpən /

verb

1. to make or become damp
2. tr to stifle; deaden

Derived Forms

• ˈdampener, noun

Other Words From

• dampen·er noun
• un·dampened adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dampen¹

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

Example Sentences

"Affordability is also still relatively stretched at present as a result of the higher interest rate environment, which is acting to dampen housing market activity more generally," said chief economist Robert Gardner.

From BBC

A weekend storm expected to bring the region’s first precipitation since May should not arrive in time to dampen any victory celebration.

From Los Angeles Times

The years of higher government spending and borrowing, alongside higher interest rates to dampen down rampant inflation, have given way to the opposite.

From BBC

Voters are being asked to add $20 billion to the state’s debt to modernize school facilities, dampen wildfires and prevent all sorts of climate-related catastrophes.

From Los Angeles Times

“The heroin market seemed to have been prepared for the first year of the Taliban ban: there was enough heroin in circulation and stocked up to dampen any supply shocks,” explained Andre Gomes, head of comms for the British charity Release, which provides legal advice on drug cases.

From Salon

Related Words

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