'noise-dampening' is a compound formed from 'noise' + 'dampening'. 'noise' originates from Old French 'noise' (meaning 'disturbance, quarrel'), ultimately influenced by Latin 'nausea' (originally 'seasickness' or 'discomfort'). 'dampening' comes from the verb 'dampen', itself formed from the adjective 'damp' (Middle English) with the verb-forming suffix '-en'.

'noise' entered Middle English from Old French 'noise' and developed into the modern English 'noise'. 'damp' existed in Middle English; adding '-en' produced the verb 'dampen' (Middle English/early modern usage), and the present participle 'dampening' came to be used both for moisture-related senses and, by extension, for reducing intensity (e.g., sound or enthusiasm). The compound 'noise-dampening' arose by combining these elements to describe materials or processes that reduce sound.

Initially, 'dampen' primarily meant 'to make slightly wet' or 'to moisten.' Over time it broadened metaphorically to mean 'to lessen intensity' (as in 'dampen enthusiasm' or 'dampen sound'), and thus 'noise-dampening' now commonly means 'reducing or absorbing noise.'