Crossword Genius

Discourage females? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dampen

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'discourage' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for dampen that I've seen before include "Make moist (6)" , "Stifle" , "Make moist or subdued" , "Apply liquid!" , "get a bit wet" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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