Dampen
['dæmp(ə)n] or ['dæmpən]
Definition
(verb.) lessen in force or effect; 'soften a shock'; 'break a fall'.
(verb.) check; keep in check (a fire).
(verb.) make vague or obscure or make (an image) less visible; 'muffle the message'.
(verb.) reduce the amplitude (of oscillations or waves).
Edited by Laurence--From WordNet
Definition
(v. t.) To make damp or moist; to make slightly wet.
(v. t.) To depress; to check; to make dull; to lessen.
(v. i.) To become damp; to deaden.
Editor: Rodney
Synonyms and Synonymous
v. a. Moisten, damp.
Checker: Max
Examples
- The dampened and plastic papier maché sheets are beaten into the face of the type form by means of brushes, are then removed, dried, and used as moulds to cast the stereotype plate from. Edward W. Byrn. The Progress of Invention in the Nineteenth Century.
- If leather is to be fastened on it must be first dampened. William K. David. Secrets of Wise Men, Chemists and Great Physicians.
- A change of ministry dampened his hopes, and in 1806 the government declined to adopt his invention on his terms. Rupert S. Holland. Historic Inventions.
- A shirt, for example, must not be discolored by perspiration, nor a waist faded by washing, nor a carpet dulled by sweeping with a dampened broom. Bertha M. Clark. General Science.
- We took a walk, but my spirits were very, very sadly dampened. Mark Twain. The Innocents Abroad.
- You would think that man had never dampened foot before, Pilar said. Hemingway, Ernest. For Whom The Bell Tolls.
Editor: Nita