from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Damp \Damp\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Damped}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Damping}.] [OE. dampen to choke, suffocate. See {Damp}, n.]
1. To render damp; to moisten; to make humid, or moderately
wet; to dampen; as, to damp cloth.
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2. To put out, as fire; to depress or deject; to deaden; to
cloud; to check or restrain, as action or vigor; to make
dull; to weaken; to discourage. "To damp your tender
hopes." --Akenside.
[1913 Webster]
Usury dulls and damps all industries, improvements,
and new inventions, wherein money would be stirring
if it were not for this slug. --Bacon.
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How many a day has been damped and darkened by an
angry word! --Sir J.
Lubbock.
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The failure of his enterprise damped the spirit of
the soldiers. --Macaulay.
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