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Dampener: meaning, definitions and examples

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dampener

 

[ ˈdæmpənər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

engineering

A device or material that reduces the magnitude of vibrations, sound, or shocks.

Synonyms

buffer, muffler, silencer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dampener

Another term for a device that reduces vibrations or noise, similar to 'dampener'. Considered a more general term.

  • The dampener on the washing machine reduces noise significantly
silencer

A device attached to a gun to reduce the noise of gunfire. Can be used metaphorically but primarily has a strong association with firearms.

  • In the movie, the assassin used a silencer on his pistol
  • The noise at the factory was dampened by installing silencers on the machines
muffler

A device used to reduce the noise produced by a machine, particularly a vehicle's exhaust system. Mostly used in automotive contexts.

  • He had to replace the car's muffler because it was causing too much noise
buffer

A thing that prevents contact between otherwise incompatible or opposing elements. Used in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

  • The trees act as a buffer against the strong winds
  • She served as a buffer between the arguing parties

Examples of usage

  • The dampener on the machine helps to reduce noise levels during operation.
  • The car's dampener absorbs the impact of bumps on the road.
Context #2 | Noun

general

Something that lessens the intensity or force of something else.

Synonyms

mitigator, moderator, reducer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dampener

Used when referring to something that lowers excitement, enthusiasm, or mood. It can have a negative connotation.

  • The rain put a dampener on our picnic plans.
  • Losing the game was a real dampener for the team.
reducer

Used to refer to something that decreases the amount, size, or intensity of something. Common in scientific or technical language.

  • The new drug acts as a reducer of inflammation.
  • We need a reducer for the noise levels in the office.
moderator

Commonly used to describe something or someone that keeps things calm or within reasonable limits. Often used in discussions or debates.

  • The moderator ensured that the debate remained civil.
  • He played the role of the moderator in the heated argument.
mitigator

Refers to something that makes a problem or situation less severe or serious. Often used in formal or technical contexts.

  • The new policy acts as a mitigator for economic downturns.
  • Airbags serve as mitigators in car accidents.

Examples of usage

  • Her calm demeanor acted as a dampener on the escalating argument.
  • The negative feedback served as a dampener on his enthusiasm for the project.

Etymology

The word 'dampener' originated from the verb 'dampen,' which has been in use since the 16th century. The term 'dampen' initially meant to make something slightly wet or moist. Over time, its meaning evolved to also include the idea of reducing the intensity or impact of something. The noun form 'dampener' emerged later to refer to a device or material that dampens vibrations or sound. Today, 'dampener' is commonly used in engineering and general contexts to describe things that reduce the magnitude or force of various phenomena.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,561, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.