damping

American  

[dam-ping] / ˈdæm pɪŋ /

noun

Physics.

1. a decreasing of the amplitude of an electrical or mechanical wave.

2. an energy-absorbing mechanism or resistance circuit causing this decrease.

3. a reduction in the amplitude of an oscillation or vibration as a result of energy being dissipated as heat.

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damping British  

/ ˈdæmpɪŋ /

noun

1. moistening or wetting

2. stifling, as of spirits

3. electronics the introduction of resistance into a resonant circuit with the result that the sharpness of response at the peak of a frequency is reduced

4. engineering any method of dispersing energy in a vibrating system

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damping Scientific  

/ dăm′pĭng /

1. The action of a substance or of an element in a mechanical or electrical device that gradually reduces the degree of oscillation, vibration, or signal intensity, or prevents it from increasing. For example, sound-proofing technology dampens the oscillations of sound waves. Built-in damping is a crucial design element in technology that involves the creation of oscillations and vibrations.

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Etymology

Origin of damping

First recorded in 1750-60; damp ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

These vibrations produce distinct tones defined by two measurements, Mitman explained: an oscillation frequency and a damping time.

From Science Daily • Feb. 1, 2026

That is damping bets that there will be another rate increase this year, though consumer inflation has stayed well above the BOJ’s 2% target this year, bolstering the case for tighter monetary policy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 8, 2025

It succeeded, at the very least, in damping down the Cold War between the U.S. and the Soviet Union enough that it never escalated into civilization-ending apocalypse.

From Salon • Sep. 28, 2025

Disinfect the pots, flats and cell packs before planting to avoid problems with damping off and other diseases.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 24, 2024

Still, now and then, I received a damping check to my cheerfulness; and was, in spite of myself, thrown back on the region of doubts and portents, and dark conjectures.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë