dampens
/ˈdæmpənz/
VERB
1. To make something damp or slightly wet
To add moisture to something, making it slightly wet or moist without necessarily saturating it.
1.1. Moistening surfaces and materials
Describes the action of adding water or another liquid to a surface, fabric, soil, or material to make it damp or moist.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- dehydrates
- desiccates
- dries
- parches
Examples
- The gardener dampens the soil before planting the seeds.
- She dampens a clean cloth before wiping the dusty surface.
Related Words
1.2. Soaking or saturating with liquid
Describes applying or immersing something in liquid until it becomes thoroughly wet or saturated.
Synonyms
- bathes
- douses
- dowses
- drenches
- dunks
- immerses
- impregnates
- irrigates
- laves
- saturates
- soaks
- souses
- steeps
- sluices
Antonyms
- dehydrates
- desiccates
- dries
- parches
Examples
- Heavy rainfall dampens the ground throughout the garden.
- The workers dampen the fabric before applying the finishing treatment.
Related Words
VERB
2. To reduce or lessen intensity, force, or effect
To make something less intense, forceful, noticeable, or effective by reducing its strength, magnitude, or impact.
2.1. Reducing intensity or strength
Describes the action of decreasing the force, severity, magnitude, or effectiveness of an effect, reaction, movement, or condition.
Synonyms
- abates
- alleviates
- blunts
- decreases
- diminishes
- eases
- lessens
- lightens
- lowers
- moderates
- reduces
- subdues
- subsides
- wanes
- weakens
Antonyms
Examples
- The new regulations dampen excessive market fluctuations.
- The medication dampens the intensity of the patient's symptoms.
- The shock absorbers dampen vibrations produced by the machinery.
Related Words
2.2. Discouraging enthusiasm and confidence
Describes the action of weakening someone's enthusiasm, excitement, determination, confidence, or motivation.
Synonyms
- benumbs
- daunts
- debilitates
- demoralizes
- depresses
- discourages
- disheartens
- dispirits
- drains
- enervates
- enfeebles
- exhausts
- fatigues
- saps
- undermines
- wears
- wears out
Antonyms
- abets
- animates
- arouses
- boosts
- braces
- buoys
- cheers
- emboldens
- energizes
- enlivens
- excites
- galvanizes
- heartens
- inspires
- invigorates
- reanimates
- reawakens
- recharges
- reenergizes
- rejuvenates
- revitalizes
- stimulates
- vitalizes
- vivifies
Examples
- The unexpected criticism dampens her enthusiasm for the project.
- Despite the setbacks, he refuses to let anything dampen his determination.
- The lack of support from his peers dampens his confidence in pursuing new ideas.
- Continuous rain dampens the excitement of outdoor events.
Related Words
2.3. Suppressing sound, sensation, or vibration
Describes reducing the intensity of sound, physical sensation, or mechanical vibration by absorbing, restraining, or dissipating energy.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- amplifies
- electrifies
- heightens
- intensifies
- magnifies
- sharpens
- stimulates
Examples
- The acoustic panels dampen unwanted echoes in the recording studio.
- The engineer uses special materials to dampen vibrations in the machinery.
Related Words
- attenuation
- damping
- deaden
- energy dissipation
- muffling
- oscillation
- resonance
- sound absorption
- vibration control
2.4. Discouraging or intimidating someone
Describes making someone feel apprehensive, frightened, troubled, or less confident about pursuing an action or facing a challenge.
Synonyms
- daunts
- afflicts
- browbeats
- bullies
- chills
- cows
- demoralizes
- discourages
- disheartens
- dismays
- distresses
- frightens
- frustrates
- horrifies
- intimidates
- unnerves
- vexes
- worries
Antonyms
- abets
- animates
- emboldens
- encourages
- heartens
- inspires
- invigorates
Examples
- The difficult conditions dampen the confidence of inexperienced climbers.
- The possibility of failure never dampens her determination to succeed.
Related Words
- apprehension
- anxiety
- fear
- intimidation
- misgiving
- trepidation
- uneasiness
VERB
3. To become damp or moist
To acquire moisture or become slightly wet through exposure to water, humidity, or another source of moisture.
3.1. Becoming moist or wet
Describes a surface, material, or object gradually acquiring moisture and becoming damp rather than remaining dry.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- dries
- dehydrates
- desiccates
Examples
- The walls dampen after several days of continuous rainfall.
- The fabric dampens when exposed to humid air.
Related Words
- damp
- dampness
- humidity
- moisture
- condensation
- wetness
- sogginess
- waterlogging
3.2. Becoming weaker or less intense
Describes an effect, feeling, or condition gradually decreasing in strength, intensity, or noticeable impact.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The excitement dampens as the audience realizes the event is ending.
- The vibrations gradually dampen after the machinery is switched off.