Definition of damp
1 : a noxious gas — compare black damp, firedamp
3a : discouragement, checkb archaic : depression, dejection
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Examples of damp in a Sentence
The boxes were left outside in the damp.
the damp of the night
Origin and Etymology of damp
Middle English, black damp, from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German, vapor; akin to Old High German damph vapor
First Known Use: 14th century
damp
Definition of damp
transitive verb
1a : to affect with or as if with a noxious gas : chokeb : to diminish the activity or intensity of damping down the causes of inflation liquid damps out compass oscillationsc : to check the vibration or oscillation of (something, such as a string or a voltage)
2 : dampen
intransitive verb
: to diminish progressively in vibration or oscillation
Examples of damp in a Sentence
His hands were damped with sweat.
refused to let the setbacks damp his drive for success
14th Century
First Known Use of damp
14th century
damp
Definition of damp
damply
adverbdampness
nounExamples of damp in a Sentence
Wipe up the mess with a damp cloth.
Her forehead was damp with perspiration.
My hair's still damp from the rain.
1590
First Known Use of damp
1590
Synonym Discussion of damp
DAMP Defined for English Language Learners
damp
Definition of damp for English Language Learners
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: to make (something) somewhat or slightly wet
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: to make (something) less strong or active
damp
Definition of damp for English Language Learners
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: somewhat or slightly wet
DAMP Defined for Kids
Medical Dictionary
damp
playMedical Definition of damp
: a noxious or stifling gas or vapor; especially : one occurring in coal mines—usually used in plural; see black damp, firedamp
Learn More about damp
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See words that rhyme with damp Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for damp Spanish Central: Translation of damp Nglish: Translation of damp for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of damp for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about damp
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