I. ˈdamp, ˈdaa(ə)mp, ˈdaimp noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle Dutch or Middle Low German, vapor; akin to Old High German damph vapor, demphen to cause to steam, Middle High German dampf, tampf vapor, dimpfen to steam, smoke, Old English dim — more at dim
1. : a noxious or stifling gas or vapor ; especially : such a gas occurring in coal mines — usually used in pl; compare blackdamp , firedamp
2. obsolete : a dazed or stupefied state : stupor , insensibility
3. : moisture:
a. : dampness , humidity
damp- resisting flour
that old hostel, rotting down with damp and time — John Galsworthy
b. archaic : fog , mist
4.
a. : discouragement , check , damper
no sentiment of shame gave a damp to her triumph — Jane Austen
uncertainties that cast a damp upon trade
b. archaic : a depression or dejection of mind or spirit
a secret damp of grief comes o'er my soul — Joseph Addison
5. : a period of humid weather favorable for the moistening and softening of cured tobacco so that it can be handled
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
transitive verb
1.
a. : to affect with or as if with a noxious gas or vapor : choke , stifle , extinguish
b. : to check combustion in (a furnace) while keeping the fire alive:
(1) : to cover (a fire in a furnace) with damp coal, ashes, or cinders to diminish the generation of heat or steam
(2) : to stop (a blast) by closing up all the openings in a blast furnace — usually used with down
c.
(1) : to diminish progressively the vibration or oscillation of (as a string or voltage)
(2) : to provide (as piano strings) with dampers
2. : check , restrain
nothing could damp his enthusiasm — George Meredith
: retard
the demand may be damped by increases in costs — M.D.Ketchum
: depress
nothing could damp him — even years of failure — Robert Westerby
3. obsolete : to make (mental powers) stupid or dull : daze
4. : to make damp : moisten
felt the sweat … damping the palms of his hands — Marcia Davenport
specifically : to sprinkle (laundry work) with water and fold for the ironers — usually used with down
intransitive verb
1. : to become damp
2. : to diminish progressively in extent of vibration or oscillation
the wave damped out
III. adjective
( -er/-est )
1. obsolete : belonging to or having the characteristics of a noxious gas or vapor
2.
a. archaic : dazed , stupefied
b. : having or showing lack of vitality or dejection of spirits : depressed , dull
the thoughtful expression of a serious able musician, but I thought it a bit damp — New Yorker
their meandering witless conversations and their damp love affairs — Time
3. : slightly or moderately wet : moist , humid
damp weather
a damp day
wipe with a damp sponge
Synonyms: see wet