dampen down
To make something less exciting, less strong, or less likely to grow.
Meanings
To reduce or suppress a feeling, reaction, or public mood.
"The coach tried to dampen down the players' overconfidence before the final."
To reduce economic activity or demand, especially through policy measures.
"Higher interest rates were introduced to dampen down consumer spending."
To make a fire less intense by reducing its air supply or covering it.
"She dampened down the stove before going to bed so the coals would still be warm in the morning."
Very common in news and political commentary. Often used with nouns like 'speculation', 'enthusiasm', 'fears', 'tensions'. Slightly more figurative in feel than 'damp down'. Widely used in British English.
Commonly used with
Forms
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