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
The Trump administration’s interest in levying tariffs on many countries has dampened the stock market and softened Wall Street’s outlook for growth.
—
Brian Steinberg, Variety, 26 Mar. 2025
The current – hopefully temporary – dip in confidence has already dampened the dynamics of the ad market, prompting U.S. to revise our growth forecast for 2025.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 26 Mar. 2025
That disappointment about the class at large has inadvertently dampened Ward’s profile.
—Derrik Klassen, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
The room’s layered materiality starts with ultra-plush wool carpeting carved into a unique rose-petal pattern, and a curved metal-and-fabric screen backs the bed and nightstands, dampening noise and creating a comforting space.
—Rachel Gallaher, Robb Report, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dampen
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Brian Steinberg, Variety, 26 Mar. 2025
The current – hopefully temporary – dip in confidence has already dampened the dynamics of the ad market, prompting U.S. to revise our growth forecast for 2025.
—Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 26 Mar. 2025
That disappointment about the class at large has inadvertently dampened Ward’s profile.
—Derrik Klassen, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
The room’s layered materiality starts with ultra-plush wool carpeting carved into a unique rose-petal pattern, and a curved metal-and-fabric screen backs the bed and nightstands, dampening noise and creating a comforting space.
—Rachel Gallaher, Robb Report, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dampen
Cite this Entry
“Dampen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dampen. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.
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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