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Definition of damping

damping

/ˈdæm.pɪŋ/
dam · ping
Plural:dampings
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damping Lexical Profile

damping Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A progressive decrease in the amplitude of an oscillation, wave, or vibration over time due to energy dissipation, or the action of causing such a decrease.

Example

"The engineers installed specialized shock absorbers to improve the damping of structural vibrations during an earthquake."

2

The act or process of making something slightly wet or moist.

Example

"A light damping of the fabric before ironing helps remove stubborn creases more easily."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for damping
Antonyms
View all antonyms for damping

Word Nuance & Usage

In physics and engineering, 'damping' (not 'dampening') is the standard technical term for reducing the amplitude of oscillations or vibrations, whereas 'dampening' is more commonly used for making something slightly wet or figuratively lessening enthusiasm.

• Rhymes for damping

• Nearby Words

dampen
dampener
damper
damping
dampish
damply
dampness

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Damping. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/damping
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