dampen
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈdæmpən/
KK: /ˈdæmpən/
intransitive verb
Definition
To become slightly wet or moist.
Example
The rain began to dampen the ground.
Tense Forms
Past: dampened
Past Participle: dampened
Conversation
I think it might dampen my mood if it rains today.
Yeah, rainy days can be a bit gloomy.
I just hope it doesn't dampen our plans for the picnic.
Me too! Let's keep an eye on the weather forecast.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
moisten
wet
soak
Antonyms
dry
dehydrate
desiccate
transitive verb
Definition
To make something less strong or intense, or to make it slightly wet.
Example
The rain began to dampen the ground, making it muddy.
Tense Forms
Past: dampened
Past Participle: dampened
Conversation
I think we should find a way to dampen the noise from the street.
That sounds like a good idea; it can be really distracting sometimes.
Maybe we could get some heavy curtains to help with that.
Root Explanation
Dampen → It is formed from "dam" (from Old English *dæm*, meaning to block or obstruct) and "-pen" (a suffix used to form verbs). The word "dampen" means to make something less intense or to block its force.
Memory Tip
Think of 'blocking' ('dam') something to make it 'less intense' — that's what dampen means.
Visually Confused Words
daimen
damn
dame
amen