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.

verb (used without object)

1. to become damp.

dampen

/ ˈdæmpən /

verb

1. to make or become damp

2. (tr) to stifle; deaden

Other Word Forms

• dampener noun
• undampened adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dampen¹

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

Example Sentences

Her performances and her music are independently produced, which is nonstop work, but that hasn’t dampened her plans for tackling even more projects.

From Los Angeles Times

As interest rates were already "in restrictive territory" - high enough to be having a dampening impact on economic activity - Powell suggested that "the shifting balance of risks may warrant adjusting our policy stance".

From BBC

Chip-makers plan their operations years in advance so this could dampen investor sentiment, which depends heavily on earnings and revenue projections.

From BBC

Westwood also got to four under, with a birdie on the 12th, but bogeys on the 14th and 16th holes dampened the end to his round of 69.

From BBC

The pace of price rises affects whether the Bank decides to raise or lower interest rates as higher rates can slow inflation by dampening economic activity.

From BBC

Related Words

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