Dampening: meaning, definitions and examples

general use

Dampening refers to the process of making something moist or less intense. In a physical context, it can mean the reduction of vibrations or fluctuations. Dampening can also apply in emotional contexts, such as reducing enthusiasm or intensity of feelings. The term is often used in engineering, music, and psychology to describe various forms of attenuation.

attenuation, moistening, reduction, softening

Examples of usage

• The dampening of sound improved the acoustics of the room.

• He felt a dampening of his spirits after receiving bad news.

• The dampening effect of the material helped minimize vibrations.