verb C2 Proficient

dampen

DAM-puhn

Dampen (verb) means to make something slightly wet. Example: “Dampen the sponge before wiping down the tiles.”

verb

To make something slightly wet.

"Dampen the sponge before wiping down the tiles."

To weaken or reduce a feeling, reaction, or effect.

"Bad weather couldn't dampen their enthusiasm for the trip."

"The disappointing sales figures dampened investor confidence."

How to use dampen

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo make something a bit wet, or more often, to take the edge off an emotion or reaction.

Easily confused with

damp →

Common pairings

dampen spirits dampen enthusiasm dampen the mood

Word forms

dampened past tense, dampens singular

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ the sponge before wiping down the tiles.

Etymology

From damp plus the verb-forming ending -en, on the same pattern as "sharpen" or "harden."

Synonyms

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break wash dull mute damp weaken soften stifle muffle deaden moisten tone down

Related words

go part light chance rest beautiful break dark

Frequently asked questions

What does “dampen” mean?

The word “dampen” means to make something slightly wet. In plain terms, to make something a bit wet, or more often, to take the edge off an emotion or reaction.

How do you pronounce “dampen”?

“Dampen” is pronounced DAM-puhn (/ˈdæmpən/ in IPA).

How do you use “dampen” in a sentence?

Here is “dampen” used in a sentence: “Dampen the sponge before wiping down the tiles.”

What part of speech is “dampen”?

“Dampen” is a verb.

How many meanings does “dampen” have?

“Dampen” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make something slightly wet.

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