damper
UK: ˈdæmpə | US: ˈdæmpər
n. a device that reduces vibration or noise (e.g., in machinery or musical instruments)
n. something that lessens enthusiasm or energy; a discouraging influence
vt. (rare) to make damp or moist
damper = damp<moisten/lessen> + er<agent noun suffix>
- damp (from Middle English dampen, meaning "to suffocate" or "moisten," influenced by Old Norse dampi "vapor")
- er (agentive suffix indicating "thing or person that performs an action")
Etymology Origin:
The word damper originated in the 18th century, combining damp (originally referring to moisture or stifling air) with -er to denote a device that "damps" or suppresses motion, sound, or energy. Over time, it expanded metaphorically to describe anything that diminishes enthusiasm or intensity.
The piano's damper pedal softens the notes by lifting the dampers from the strings.
His criticism acted as a damper on her excitement about the project.
Engineers installed a hydraulic damper to reduce vibrations in the bridge.
The rainy weather put a damper on our picnic plans.
A faulty damper in the HVAC system caused uneven airflow.