Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
Damp \Damp\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Damped}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Damping}.] [OE. dampen to choke, suffocate. See {Damp}, n.]
1. To render damp; to moisten; to make humid, or moderately
wet; to dampen; as, to damp cloth.
2. To put out, as fire; to depress or deject; to deaden; to
cloud; to check or restrain, as action or vigor; to make
dull; to weaken; to discourage. ``To damp your tender
hopes.'' --Akenside.
Usury dulls and damps all industries, improvements,
and new inventions, wherein money would be stirring
if it were not for this slug. --Bacon.
How many a day has been damped and darkened by an
angry word! --Sir J.
Lubbock.
The failure of his enterprise damped the spirit of
the soldiers. --Macaulay.