dampened
/ˈdæmpənd/
VERB
1. Made slightly wet or moist
Made damp or slightly wet by adding water or another liquid, without necessarily becoming completely saturated.
1.1. Moistening surfaces and materials
Describes the action of adding moisture to a surface, cloth, soil, or other material to make it damp or moist.
Synonyms
- bathed
- bedewed
- doused
- dowsed
- drenched
- dunked
- humidified
- immersed
- impregnated
- irrigated
- laved
- moistened
- remoistened
- rinsed
- saturated
- sluiced
- soaked
- soused
- steeped
- washed
- watered
- wet
- wetted
Antonyms
- dehydrated
- desiccated
- dried
Examples
- The unexpected downpour dampened the spirits of the outdoor event attendees.
- The fabric was dampened before being cleaned.
- The gardener dampened the soil before planting the seeds.
Related Words
- damp
- damped
- dampening
- dampness
- moist
- moisture
- humidification
- hydration
- saturation
- soaking
- wetness
- waterlogging
VERB
2. Depressed, checked, or made less intense
Reduced or restrained in strength, intensity, effectiveness, or emotional impact; made less enthusiastic, hopeful, or energetic.
2.1. Reducing intensity or force
Describes the action of decreasing the strength, force, severity, or effectiveness of something, such as an effect, movement, or reaction.
Synonyms
- abated
- alleviated
- blunted
- deadened
- decreased
- diminished
- eased
- lessened
- lightened
- lowered
- moderated
- muffled
- muted
- reduced
- subdued
- subsided
- undermined
- waned
- weakened
Antonyms
- amplified
- augmented
- boosted
- deepened
- enhanced
- heightened
- intensified
- magnified
- strengthened
Examples
- The economic downturn dampened the hopes of many aspiring entrepreneurs.
- The new regulations dampened excessive market fluctuations.
- The engineer dampened the vibrations in the machinery.
Related Words
2.2. Discouraging enthusiasm or emotional energy
Describes the action of weakening someone's enthusiasm, excitement, confidence, motivation, or positive emotional state.
Synonyms
- daunted
- demoralized
- discouraged
- disheartened
- dispirited
- enervated
- enfeebled
- exhausted
- fatigued
- sapped
- weakened
- wore out
Antonyms
- animated
- aroused
- buoyed
- cheered
- emboldened
- energized
- enlivened
- excited
- heartened
- inspired
- inspirited
- invigorated
- reanimated
- reenergized
- revitalized
- vivified
Examples
- The unexpected downpour dampened the spirits of the outdoor event attendees.
- The economic downturn dampened the hopes of many aspiring entrepreneurs.
- The news of the delay in the project dampened the team's excitement.
Related Words
- abject
- crestfallen
- despondent
- disconsolate
- dismal
- doleful
- downcast
- downhearted
- gloomy
- glum
- melancholy
- morose
- sad
- spiritless
- woebegone
VERB
3. Became damp or moist
Acquired moisture or became slightly wet, usually through exposure to water, humidity, or condensation.
3.1. Becoming moist or wet
Describes a material, surface, or object acquiring moisture and becoming damp rather than remaining completely dry.
Synonyms
- moistened
- wetted
- soaked
- saturated
- drenched
Antonyms
- dried
- dehydrated
- desiccated
Examples
- The walls began to dampen after several days of continuous rain.
- The fabric dampened after being left outside in the humid air.
Related Words
- damp
- dampness
- humidity
- moisture
- condensation
- wetness
- sogginess
- waterlogging
3.2. Becoming subdued or less intense
Describes an effect, feeling, or condition gradually becoming weaker, less intense, or less noticeable.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- amplified
- augmented
- heightened
- intensified
- magnified
- strengthened
Examples
- The excitement gradually dampened as the audience realized the event was ending.
- The vibrations dampened after the machinery was switched off.