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

A stronger franc lowers the domestic prices of imported goods, while also damping demand for Swiss goods abroad, which also cools inflation.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

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

But some tumors fight back to suppress the attacking immune cells, damping the effectiveness of such inhibitors.

From Science Daily • May 17, 2024

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

From Seattle Times • Apr. 24, 2024

He and his brigade of architects, draftsmen, engineers, and contractors had accomplished so much in an impossibly short time, but apparently not enough to overcome the damping effect of the fast-degrading economy.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson