Damp down

usgb
verb

To make something less intense, active or violent.

The police tried to damp down the violence in the city.
Visual representation of "damp down" - To make something less intense, active or violent.

Often appears as...

  • damp down protests
  • damp down speculation

Usage tips

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "damp down"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Non-physical action

Used metaphorically to describe reducing the intensity of actions or emotions, not just physical things.

Illustration for Non-physical action
The government acted swiftly to damp down the rumors.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not silence

Doesn't mean to stop something completely, but to make it less intense.

Illustration for Not silence
The new policy helped to damp down the public outcry without silencing the concerns.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Often negative

Commonly used in contexts where something unwanted is being made less strong.

Illustration for Often negative
The principal's announcement helped to damp down the tension among students.
Visual representation of the word "Damp down"

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