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

Drugs that dampen their activity reduce the communication of pain signals from the sensory nerve cells to the brain.

From Science Daily

I asked Sir Keir about it the day after - but the explanations have done little to dampen the anger.

From BBC

The dampening down of expectations are the result of how Trump's first term turned out: the Kremlin had high hopes that a Trump presidency would transform US-Russian relations.

From BBC

People grew increasingly anxious, and the festivities were dampened, when the network’s John King said that Harris trailed President Biden’s performance in the 2020 election in key areas.

From Los Angeles Times

However, Palmieri wrote an update to her piece late Thursday reporting that the mood down in Florida has dampened a bit in recent days.

From Salon

Related Words

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