to dampen; to moisten; to wet

💡 Nuance & Usage: Refers to actively adding moisture or spraying water to make objects damp (ironing laundry, moistening soil/cakes). Transitive verb. Opposing word: 乾かす. Often used as 布を湿らす or 霧吹きで湿らす. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To dampen! "I will dampen a soft cloth to cool down your blushing forehead, Haruka-san!" ...っ! T-To dampen a cloth for my blushing forehead! B-Baka! My forehead is hot because of your close proximity! But... since you want to care for me, I suppose... I will let you wipe my face gently! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『しめらす（湿らす）よ！『ハルカ部長がヤキモチでほっぺを膨らませてヒートアップしているから、冷たい水で湿らせたお揃いのペアタオルで優しく冷ましてあげます！』って…っ！ヤキモチ顔の冷却！バカ！/// 人のヤキモチの温度を物理的に管理するんじゃないの！…でも、その湿らせたタオルで私の両頬を優しく包むあんたの手、すごく暖かくて大好きなの…！』