I. ˈdamp noun
Etymology: Middle English, black damp, from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German, vapor; akin to Old High German damph vapor
Date: 14th century
1. : a noxious gas — compare black damp , firedamp
2. : moisture:
a. : humidity , dampness
b. archaic : fog , mist
3.
a. : discouragement , check
b. archaic : depression , dejection
II. verb
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1.
a. : to affect with or as if with a noxious gas : choke
b. : to diminish the activity or intensity of
damp ing down the causes of inflation
liquid damp s out compass oscillations
c. : to check the vibration or oscillation of (as a string or voltage)
2. : dampen
intransitive verb
: to diminish progressively in vibration or oscillation
III. adjective
Date: 1590
1.
a. archaic : being confused, bewildered, or shocked : stupefied
b. : depressed , dull
2. : slightly or moderately wet : moist
a damp towel
also : humid
damp weather
Synonyms: see wet
• damp·ish ˈdam-pish adjective
• damp·ly adverb
• damp·ness noun