Dampen - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Dampen means to make something slightly wet or moist. It can also refer to reducing the intensity of something, such as sound, enthusiasm, or an effect. Example: Rain can dampen clothes or spirits.
Definition:
To make something slightly wet or to reduce the intensity of something.
Synonyms:
moisten, weaken, diminish, soften
Part of Speech:
verb
Antonyms:
dry, intensify
Common Collocations:
dampen spirits, dampen cloth, dampen sound, dampen enthusiasm
Derivatives:
dampener, dampening
Usage Tips:
Use "dampen" for making things slightly wet or lessening emotions/sounds; avoid overuse in formal writing.
Common Phrases:
dampen someone's spirits, dampen the noise, dampen the mood
Etymology:
From Middle Dutch "dampen," meaning to suffocate or stifle; related to moisture or vapor.
Examples:
- 1. The rain will dampen the soil before planting.
- 2. Her criticism seemed to dampen his enthusiasm for the project.
- 3. Use a cloth to dampen the surface before cleaning it.
- 4. The news did little to dampen their joyful celebration.