damped
|damped|
/dæmp/
(damp)
slightly wet
Etymology
'damp' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'damp', and is cognate with German 'Dampf' and Dutch 'damp', from Proto-Germanic '*dampaz' meaning 'moisture' or 'vapor'.
'damp' changed from Old English 'damp' (meaning moisture or vapor) through Middle English forms and developed into the modern English adjective and verb 'damp'; the verb sense (to make moist or to lessen vibration) derived from the noun.
Initially it meant 'moisture' or 'vapor', but over time it gained verbal senses 'to make moist' and specialized senses 'to reduce intensity' (as in damped vibrations); the core idea of reducing or softening has been retained.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
past tense or past participle form of 'damp'.
She damped the cloth before wiping the table.
Adjective 1
reduced in intensity or amplitude (especially of sound, vibration, or oscillation); made less strong.
The vibrations were damped by the new shock absorbers.
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Adjective 2
made less strong or less intense in a figurative sense (e.g., enthusiasm, excitement).
Her enthusiasm was damped by the long delay.
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Last updated: 2025/10/06 14:24