Definition of Dampen

1. Verb. Smother or suppress. "Stifle your curiosity"

Exact synonyms: Stifle
Specialized synonyms: Choke, Suffocate
Generic synonyms: Conquer, Curb, Inhibit, Stamp Down, Subdue, Suppress
Derivative terms: Stifler
Antonyms: Stimulate

2. Verb. Make moist. "The dew moistened the meadows"
Exact synonyms: Moisten, Wash
Generic synonyms: Wet
Specialized synonyms: Humidify, Moisturise, Moisturize, Baste
Derivative terms: Dampener, Dampening, Moistener, Moistening, Moisture

3. Verb. Deaden (a sound or noise), especially by wrapping.
Exact synonyms: Damp, Dull, Muffle, Mute, Tone Down
Generic synonyms: Soften
Derivative terms: Damper, Muffler, Muffler, Mute

4. Verb. Reduce the amplitude (of oscillations or waves).
Generic synonyms: Weaken

5. Verb. Make vague or obscure or make (an image) less visible. "Muffle the message"
Exact synonyms: Damp, Deaden
Generic synonyms: Break, Damp, Soften, Weaken
Derivative terms: Damper

6. Verb. Check; keep in check (a fire).
Generic synonyms: Check, Delay, Retard

7. Verb. Lessen in force or effect. "Break a fall"
Exact synonyms: Break, Damp, Soften, Weaken
Generic synonyms: Blunt, Deaden
Specialized synonyms: Deafen, Damp, Deaden
Derivative terms: Damper, Weakener

Definition of Dampen

1. v. t. To make damp or moist; to make slightly wet.

2. v. i. To become damp; to deaden.

Definition of Dampen

1. Verb. (transitive) To make damp or moist; to make slightly wet. ¹

2. Verb. (transitive) To depress; to check; to make dull; to lessen. ¹

3. Verb. (intransitive) To become damp; to deaden. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Dampen

1. to moisten [v -ED, -ING, -S] - See also: moisten

Lexicographical Neighbors of Dampen

damourites
damozel
damozels
damp
damp-dry
damp-proof course
damp course
damp down
damp off
damp proofing
damp squib
damp squibs
damp squid
damp squids
damped
dampen (current term)
dampened
dampener
dampeners
dampening
dampeningly
dampens
damper
damper block
dampers
dampest
dampier
dampiest
dampiness
damping

Literary usage of Dampen

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Researches, Philosophical and Antiquarian, Concerning the Aboriginal History by James Haines McCulloh (1829)
"... insignificant and unworthy of notice. idolatry and superstition,* would naturally dampen any attempt to investigate the history and antiquities of Peru, ..."

2. Laundry Work: For Use in Homes and Schools by Juniata L. Shepperd (1909)
"... illustration lor dampening and Folding Clothes 60 Dark Colored Articles, Heavy, to dampen 64 Dark, Plain Colored Fabrics, to make starch for. ..."

3. Receipts and Remedies: Useful Hints for Everyone on Health, Beauty, Clothing by Louis Andrew Flemming (1908)
"To remove fly specks from the frame or from moulding dampen a soft sponge with warm alcohol or old ale and wash the frame with it, passing the sponge ..."

4. The Older Forest Plantations in Massachusetts: Conifers by James Raymond Simmons (1915)
"... transportation and the inadequate methods of combating forest fires; these conditions tended to gradually dampen the enthusiasm of the forest planter. ..."

5. Non-secret Formulas by Thomas Michael Griffiths (1910)
"Say you take salol, phenacetin, starch; dampen with alcohol, run through a No. 20 sieve, shake over a gas jet to slightly warm to granulate and dry; ..."

6. Bulletin by United States (1918)
"Baste and stitch pocket and lining (except top); turn to right ade; dampen and press. 2. Turn top of cloth over as a hem, baste, dampen, press, ..."

7. Proceedings of the American Pharmaceutical Association at the Annual Meeting by American Pharmaceutical Association, National Pharmaceutical Convention, American Pharmaceutical Association Meeting (1895)
"The process is : divide 4 Ibs. of the drug into 4 equal parts, dampen the first portion with 10 fl. ozs. of the diluted spirit, macerate 6 hours, ..."

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