Meaning & use
a damper
Last updated
Meanings
nouncountabletechnical
A device that reduces movement, sound, or vibration, especially in a piano or machine.
Grammar: Countable: 'a damper', 'dampers'.
Patterns
- a damper on a piano
- fit a damper
- the damper reduces something
The piano's damper pedal softens the sound by stopping the strings from vibrating.
A damper in the chimney controls how much smoke goes up.
Engineers installed a damper to reduce the shaking of the bridge.
nouncountablefigurative
Something that makes an event or mood less happy or less enjoyable.
Grammar: Often used in the phrase 'put a damper on something'.
Patterns
- put a damper on something
- cast a damper over something
The rain put a damper on our picnic plans.
His negative comments put a damper on the celebration.
The bad news cast a damper over the whole office.
Word forms
| plural | dampers |
|---|
Common combinations
- put a damper on
- The sudden storm put a damper on the outdoor wedding.
- damper pedal
- Press the damper pedal to let the notes ring out.
- fire damper
- A fire damper closes automatically to stop smoke from spreading.
Synonyms and how they differ
- mute
- A mute is used on a musical instrument to soften the sound; a damper is a mechanical part that stops vibration.
- shock absorber
- A shock absorber is specifically for vehicles; a damper is a more general term for any device that reduces movement.
Word family
Commonly confused: a damper or damp?
a damper vs damp
Damp means slightly wet; a damper is a device or a mood-killer.
Practice
What does 'put a damper on' mean in the sentence 'The rain put a damper on the party'?
Choose one answer.
'Put a damper on' means to make something less enjoyable or to spoil the mood. It does not mean literally making something wet, even though 'damp' means slightly wet.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “a damper”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.