English Dictionary
Definition of “dampen”
dampen (ˈdæmpən
)
Definitions
verb
- to make or become damp
- (tr) to stifle; deaden
Alternative Forms
ˈdampener noun
Synonyms
View thesaurus entry
=
reduce,
check,
moderate,
dash,
dull,
restrain,
deter,
stifle,
lessen,
smother,
muffle,
deaden,
Usage examples
"He deliberately made it sound light, because he had the idea that any official approach would dampen Mrs Drummond's outgoing insouciance.
Curzon, Clare, The Quest for K (1986)Even the discovery of the unique dermal glands of the sperm whale in the blob could not dampen this popular hope.
New Scientist (2004)Some economists are now projecting a rate cut as the bank tries to dampen the Canadian dollar and prevent more injury to Canadian exporters.
Globe and Mail (2003)Driving rain also failed to dampen the spirits of revellers in Liverpool.
Sun, News of the World (2002)It can be easy for the more reserved Capricorn to dampen the Aries ' joie de vivre with their characteristic emotional inhibition.
Michael Geary, MOON ASTROLOGY FOR LOVERS (2002)
