dampen — to make something slightly wet or moist
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to make something slightly wet or moist
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈdæmpən/
Example Sentences
- The rain didn't dampen the wedding party - they just moved the dance floor indoors!
- Please dampen the sponge before cleaning the whiteboard.
- His sarcastic comments tend to dampen everyone's mood at meetings.
dampen
VERB[/ˈdæmpən/]
to make something slightly wet or moist

The sudden heavy rain dampened the roaring campfire and the campers' cheerful mood.

DAMP(wet) + EN(make) — he used the spray bottle to dampen the completely dry sponge before cleaning.

The shocking knockout managed to completely dampen the spirit of the proud champion.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From the Middle Dutch word 'dampen' meaning to smoke or steam, related to 'damp' (moisture or vapor). The word entered English in the 16th century from Low German/Dutch origins.
Breakdown
damp (moisture/vapor) + -en (verb suffix meaning to make or become) = dampen (to make damp or moist)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The rain didn't dampen the wedding party - they just moved the dance floor indoors!”
“Please dampen the sponge before cleaning the whiteboard.”
“His sarcastic comments tend to dampen everyone's mood at meetings.”
“She tried to dampen her excitement about the job interview, but couldn't hide her smile.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
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