damp
adj. · n. · v.-
1 slightly wet (adj.) B1 Intermediateslightly wet, often in a way that feels cold or uncomfortable.
moderately wet or moist; typically used to describe surfaces, fabrics, or atmospheres where moisture is unwanted.
ExampleThe grass was still damp from the morning rain when we went outside.
ExampleThe laundry remained damp despite hanging on the line all afternoon, as the high humidity prevented the moisture from evaporating effectively.
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2 moisture in a building (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate British Englishwetness in the air or on walls, especially inside a building.
moisture or humidity, particularly that which collects on interior walls or within a confined space.
ExampleThe old house had a problem with damp in the kitchen.
ExampleRising damp had caused the wallpaper to peel away from the baseboards, suggesting a significant failure in the building's original damp-proof course.
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3 to reduce or muffle (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto make a sound, feeling, or movement less strong.
to reduce the amplitude of a physical vibration or to stifle an emotional response.
ExampleThe thick curtains helped to damp the noise from the street.
ExampleThe central bank's decision to raise interest rates was intended to damp inflationary pressures before they could destabilise the national economy.
UsageOften used as 'damp down' when referring to fires or emotions.
From Middle English dampen (“to stifle; suffocate”). Akin to Low German damp, Dutch damp, and German Dampf (“vapor, steam, fog”), Icelandic dampi, Swedish damm (“dust”), and to German dampf imperative of dimpfen (“to smoke”). Also Middle English dampen (“to extinguish, choke, suffocate”). Ultimately all descend from Proto-Germanic *dampaz.
- Verbdampen
- Adjectivedamp