dampen

/ˈdæmpən/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdæmpən/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈdam-pən/ (ame, mw)

dampen — verb

  • dampenpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • dampenshe / she / it
  • dampenedpast simple
  • dampening-ing form

1. to make the surface of something slightly wet by adding a small amount of liquid

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to make the surface of something slightly wet by adding a small amount of liquid to it, often using a cloth, sponge, or light spray

例句

Elara dampened a cloth and wiped the dust from the old photograph.

dampen a [cloth/sponge] for cleaning

The gardener dampened the soil with a light spray before planting the seeds.

dampen [something] with [liquid]

同義詞
  • moisten

    a more common, everyday word for making something slightly wet

  • wet

    broader term that can range from light moisture to thorough soaking

  • humidify

    technical term used mainly for adding moisture to air or an enclosed environment

反義詞
  • dry

    to remove moisture from something

文法句型

dampen + [cloth/sponge/surface]

dampen + [something] + with + [liquid]

用法筆記

The wetting described is always slight and deliberate — a small amount of liquid applied to a surface or cloth. Distinguish from 'soak' (to make completely wet) and 'sprinkle' (to scatter tiny drops lightly).

常見錯誤

❌I dampened my shirt in the river.
✅I soaked my shirt in the river.
💡'dampen' means to make slightly wet; use 'soak' for thorough wetting.
❌She dampened the plant with water every morning.
✅She watered the plant every morning.
💡'dampen' suggests light surface moisture; 'water' is the natural verb for plants.

2. to make a feeling, reaction, or mood become less strong or lively, without remov

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to make a feeling, reaction, or mood become less strong or lively, without removing it completely

例句

The bad weather dampened Wei-Lin's excitement about the outdoor concert.

dampen [someone's] excitement / enthusiasm

Fatima's harsh comment dampened the cheerful mood around the dinner table.

同義詞
  • diminish

    more formal and broader; can apply to both physical and abstract reductions

  • curb

    suggests deliberate restraint or control over something unwanted

  • suppress

    stronger; implies forcefully holding something back, often completely

  • temper

    suggests careful moderation or balancing, often with a sense of making something milder

反義詞
  • heighten

    to increase the intensity of a feeling or reaction

  • intensify

    to make something stronger or more extreme

  • amplify

    to make an emotion or effect larger or more noticeable

文法句型

dampen + [enthusiasm/spirits/mood]

dampen + [someone's] + [feeling/emotion]

do little to dampen + [something]

用法筆記

Subject is usually an event, remark, or circumstance rather than a person. Object is typically an emotion (excitement, enthusiasm), a mood (spirits), or an indicator (confidence, demand, expectations). Distinguish from sense 1: this sense applies to abstract things, not physical wetness.

常見錯誤

❌The earthquake dampened the bridge.
✅The earthquake weakened the bridge.
💡sense 2 of 'dampen' applies only to feelings and reactions, not to physical strength or structures.