verb
dampen
DAM-puhn
verb
1
To make something slightly wet.
"Dampen the sponge before wiping down the tiles."
2
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 notesIn plain EnglishTo make something a bit wet, or more often, to take the edge off an emotion or reaction.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
dampen spirits
dampen enthusiasm
dampen the mood
Word Forms
dampened past tense, dampens singular
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_____ the sponge before wiping down the tiles.
Etymology
From damp plus the verb-forming ending -en, on the same pattern as "sharpen" or "harden."