dampen

Everyday

1. To dampen something is to make it a little wet. tree →
2. To dampen a feeling is to make it weaker or less happy. tree →
3. To dampen a sound or a movement is to make it quieter or smaller. tree →

In the lessons

In cooking and art, you dampen a cloth or paper. In stories, «the rain dampened our spirits» means people felt less cheerful. In science and music, materials dampen sound or vibration. Phrases: «dampen someone's spirits», «dampen enthusiasm», «put a damper on» (spoil the mood).

Examples

• Dampen the cloth before you wipe the table. tree →
• The rain did not dampen our spirits at sports day. tree →
• The bad news dampened everyone's excitement. tree →
• Thick curtains dampen the noise from the street. tree →
• Dampen the soil before you plant the seeds. tree →
• Nothing could dampen her joy on her birthday. tree →

Note

Regular verb. Adjective: damp (slightly wet). Similar: moisten (wet), weaken, deaden (sound). A «damper» is a thing that dampens: a part of a piano or chimney, or something that spoils fun («put a damper on it»).