Meaning & Definition of Dampen in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: To lessen the intensity or degree of something.

  Example Sentence: The rain began to dampen the festivities.

• Definition: To make something wet or moist.

  Example Sentence: He dampened the cloth before cleaning the table.

• Definition: To discourage or lessen the enthusiasm of someone.

  Example Sentence: Her criticism dampened his spirits.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English dampen, from dam + –pen, from the Old English dāmpian.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• dampen someone's spirits: To make someone feel sad or less enthusiastic.
• dampen the mood: To make the atmosphere less cheerful.
• dampen enthusiasm: To reduce someone's excitement or eagerness.

Translations

• Spanish: apaciguar

• French: adoucir

• German: dämpfen

• Russian: снижать

Related Words

• damp: Slightly wet or moist.

• moisten: To make slightly wet.

• deaden: To make something less intense.

Slang Meanings of dampen

• Meaning: To soften a situation.

  Example Sentence: He tried to dampen the argument with a joke.

• Meaning: To lower the excitement.

  Example Sentence: Don't dampen the fun; let's keep the party going!