tamp

verb

ˈtamp 

tamped; tamping; tamps

transitive verb

1

: to drive in or down by a succession of light or medium blows

tamp wet concrete

2

: to put a check on : reduce, lessen

tamp down rumors

Examples of tamp in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While the enthusiasm for AI is still over the top, business leaders are tamping down their expectations of it. —Joe McKendrick, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026

This was part of an effort to tamp down violence through a range of civic services that included keeping community centers open late for the first time in 30 years. —Elizabeth Glazer, The Atlantic, 19 May 2026

But, after a period of upheaval that has few equivalents in recent OM history, there are signs the club’s decision-makers are getting serious about tamping down the flames. —Tom Williams, New York Times, 17 May 2026

The context for Xi’s remarks was a potential war between China and the United States over Taiwan, and the urgency to tamp down flash points. —Letters To The Editor, Washington Post, 17 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably back-formation from obsolete tampion, tampin plug, from Middle English, from Middle French tapon, tampon, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German zapho tap — more at tap entry 3

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tamp

• amp
• champ
• clamp
• cramp
• damp
• gamp
• lamp
• ramp
• samp
• scamp
• stamp
• tramp

Kids Definition

tamp

verb

ˈtamp

1

: to drive in or down by a series of blows

2

: to put a check on : lessen

tamp down rumors

tamper noun