Damper
/ˈdæm.pər/noun
Something that lessens, restrains, or absorbs force, activity, or excitement.
Did you know?In its mechanical sense, a damper is literally a device that quenches vibration or airflow, and the word’s emotional meaning grew from that same physical image of suppression.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*dampaz
“moist, damp”
Old English
OE
damp
“moisture, dampness”
Middle English
ME
dampen
“to make damp; to deaden or suppress”
16th Century
English
damper
“something that lessens or suppresses; later, a device that controls airflow or vibration”
Modern English
English
damper
“something that inhibits, reduces, or spoils enthusiasm; also a mechanical regulator”