dampening Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun the act of making something slightly wet
   moistening.
   
2. verb smother or suppress
   stifle; dampen.
   
   • Stifle your curiosity
3. verb make moist
   wash; moisten; dampen.
   
   • The dew moistened the meadows
4. verb deaden (a sound or noise), especially by wrapping
   dampen; mute; muffle; damp; tone down; dull.
   
5. verb reduce the amplitude (of oscillations or waves)
   dampen.
   
6. verb make vague or obscure or make (an image) less visible
   deaden; damp; dampen.
   
   • muffle the message
7. verb check; keep in check (a fire)
   dampen.
   
8. verb lessen in force or effect
   break; damp; weaken; dampen; soften.
   
   • soften a shock
   • break a fall

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