tamp down
C1 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To push something down hard to make it smaller or less powerful.
Literal meaning: To press (tamp) something downward with force to compact it.
Meanings
1 C1 neutral
To press loose material firmly downward so it becomes compact.
"He tamped down the earth around the newly planted tree."
Grammar: separable
2 C1
idiomatic
neutral
To reduce or suppress a feeling, reaction, or situation in order to keep it under control.
"The government tried to tamp down growing public anger over the new tax policy."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Literally refers to pressing down loose material (e.g., soil, tobacco in a pipe, explosive material). Figuratively used to describe suppressing emotions, public reaction, or political opposition. Common in journalism and political commentary. Primarily AmE.
Commonly used with
fears concerns expectations enthusiasm inflation emotions soil
Forms
Base
tamp down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tamps down
he/she/it
Past simple
tamped down
yesterday
Past participle
tamped down
have + pp
-ing form
tamping down
continuous
Understand "tamp down" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "tamp down" on Looplines