1 B2 neutral
(Of seedlings or young plants) to suddenly wilt, collapse, and die due to fungal infection favoured by excessive moisture.
"Half of the tomato seedlings dampened off because the trays were left in standing water."
inseparable
dampen off
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
Horticulture: (of seedlings) to collapse and die due to a fungal infection caused by overly wet or humid conditions.
In plain English
When young plants die because the soil is too wet and a fungus attacks them.
What does "dampen off" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To become too damp and then die off.
Actually means
When young plants die because the soil is too wet and a fungus attacks them.
Usage tip
A specialist gardening term. The condition is caused by various soil-borne fungi (e.g. Pythium, Rhizoctonia). Good drainage and air circulation prevent it. Used almost exclusively in horticultural contexts.
Words that pair with "dampen off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
seedlings cuttings soil propagation fungus roots
How to conjugate "dampen off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
dampen off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
dampens off
he/she/it
Past simple
dampened off
yesterday
Past participle
dampened off
have + pp
-ing form
dampening off
continuous
Hear "dampen off" in the wild
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