dampener

Meanings

1. 1nouncountablefigurative

   Something that reduces enthusiasm, excitement or energy, such as bad news or poor weather.

   Grammar: Usually appears in put a dampener on something: the rain put a dampener on the picnic.

   Patterns

   • put a dampener on something
   • act as a dampener

   The sudden rain put a dampener on the street party.

   Her cold response was a real dampener on his excitement.

   The late arrival of the guests acted as a dampener on the evening.

2. 2nouncountabletechnical

   A device or part that reduces vibration, noise or movement in a machine or instrument.

   Grammar: Used for a physical part: a rubber dampener under the motor.

   Patterns

   • fit a dampener
   • a dampener for something

   The engineer fitted a rubber dampener to reduce the noise.

   A small dampener keeps the strings from ringing too long.

Word forms

Common combinations

put a dampener on

The news put a dampener on the celebrations.

a real dampener

The long delay was a real dampener on the trip.

vibration dampener

A vibration dampener helps reduce engine shake.

act as a dampener

High prices may act as a dampener on spending.

Synonyms and how they differ

damper

Damper is almost identical and common in put a damper on something, particularly in American English.

killjoy

Killjoy is a person who spoils fun, while a dampener is usually an event or thing.

buzzkill

Buzzkill is slang and more casual, whereas dampener is neutral.

setback

Setback means a problem that slows progress, rather than reducing mood or excitement.

Opposites

Word family

damp adjective

slightly wet

dampen verb

to make less strong, or slightly wet

damper noun

a device or a thing that reduces something

dampness noun

the state of being slightly wet

Commonly confused: dampener or damper?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “dampener”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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