damped
UK: dæmpt | US: dæmpt
adj. reduced in intensity or magnitude; restrained or subdued
vt. (past tense of damp) made slightly wet; diminished the vibration or oscillation of
The word "damp" originated in Middle English (as a noun meaning "vapor" or "moisture"), likely from Middle Low German damp ("steam, vapor"). Over time, it evolved to describe something slightly wet or to imply a reduction in intensity (e.g., "dampen enthusiasm"). The suffix "-ed" marks the past tense or participle form, indicating an action completed (e.g., "damped the vibration"). The dual meanings—physical moisture and metaphorical reduction—reflect the word’s Germanic roots in natural phenomena and its later abstract applications.
The cloth was damped before cleaning the surface.
Engineers damped the bridge’s vibrations to prevent resonance.
Her enthusiasm was damped by the negative feedback.
The sound of the drums was damped by the thick curtains.
He damped the fire carefully to avoid smoke.