Word
dampen
Phoneticsdamp·en, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdæmpən/
UK/dˈæmpən/
Definition
v. to make something slightly wet or to reduce the strength of a feeling or an activity. You use it when you want to say that something is not as strong or dry as it was before.
v. to make something slightly wet or moist; figuratively, to reduce the intensity or effectiveness of a feeling, action, or process. Often used in the passive voice to describe the suppression of enthusiasm or the weakening of a signal.
Examples
“The rain began to dampen the grass in the garden.”
“The heavy clouds started to dampen the mood of the outdoor wedding party.”
“While the initial data was promising, the subsequent analysis began to dampen the researchers' excitement by revealing several significant statistical anomalies.”
Examples
simple
“The rain began to dampen the grass in the garden.”
contextual
“The heavy clouds started to dampen the mood of the outdoor wedding party.”
complex
“While the initial data was promising, the subsequent analysis began to dampen the researchers' excitement by revealing several significant statistical anomalies.”
Real-World Examples
“Dampening this response with ice baths may limit some of the long-term benefits of training – particularly if they’re used regularly.” “Interest rate rises dampen consumer spending with little effect on the price of imported goods.” Etymology
From damp + -en.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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