Dictionary definition · dampen
verb
- suppress or constrain so as to lessen in intensity"Stifle your curiosity"
- make moist"The dew moistened the meadows"
- deaden (a sound or noise), especially by wrapping
- reduce the amplitude (of oscillations or waves)
- make vague or obscure or make (an image) less visible"muffle the message"
- check; keep in check (a fire)
- lessen in force or effect"soften a shock"
Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).