dampened; dampening
ˈdamp-niŋ 
ˈdam-pə-
1
: to check or diminish the activity or vigor of : deaden
the heat dampened our spirits
2
: to make damp
the shower barely dampened the ground
3
Examples of dampen in a Sentence
Dampen the spot with a wet cloth.
The shower barely dampened the ground.
We wouldn't let the bad weather dampen our excitement.
Recent Examples on the Web
Lightly dampen the cloth to clean more stubborn spots.
—
Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 16 May 2026
The furor has dampened the festivities of the normally high-camp, joyful, gaudy extravaganza, in which acts representing different, mostly European countries each perform a song, competing to be crowned the winner after a public and jury vote.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
Later, Molo’s attempt at a gotcha was further dampened when Altman’s lawyer, Savitt, re-examined Altman.
—Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026
The exertion dampens some of the mirth.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dampen
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Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 16 May 2026
The furor has dampened the festivities of the normally high-camp, joyful, gaudy extravaganza, in which acts representing different, mostly European countries each perform a song, competing to be crowned the winner after a public and jury vote.
—Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 15 May 2026
Later, Molo’s attempt at a gotcha was further dampened when Altman’s lawyer, Savitt, re-examined Altman.
—Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026
The exertion dampens some of the mirth.
—Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for dampen
Cite this Entry
“Dampen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dampen. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dampen
verb
damp·en
ˈdam-pən
dampened; dampening
ˈdamp-(ə-)niŋ
1
: to check or lessen in activity or vigor : deaden
2
: to make or become damp
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