bevochtig

Bevochtigen is a Dutch verb meaning to make something moist or damp, i.e., to humidify or dampen. It can describe the act of applying moisture to a surface, object, or environment. The related noun is bevochtiging, referring to the process or result of adding moisture.

An etymology note: the verb is built from vocht (moisture) with the prefix be-, which in Dutch frequently forms transitive verbs meaning “to cause to become.” The term is used across technical and everyday language to express the idea of adding moisture.

Common contexts for bevochtigen include printing and papermaking (to improve ink adhesion and flexibility), horticulture and agriculture (to raise humidity or dampen soil), food processing and cosmetics (to moisten surfaces or products), and construction or painting (to prepare surfaces before coating). In all cases, bevochtigen denotes a deliberate action to increase moisture content.

Implementation methods vary and can include spraying water, using humidifiers, misting devices, or wiping with a damp cloth. In Dutch, the past participle is bevochtigd and the noun is bevochtiging. Bevochtigen thus describes a practical, controlled method of moisture addition, distinct from natural drying or the state of being moist.