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😕 A mood killer 🔧 A vibration stopper 🔥 Air control plate
damper

damper

15 6.3
Something that makes people less excited about an event or plan
  • noun
  • /ˈdæmpər/
translation icon : freno
  • The news of the cancellation put a serious damper on the team's excitement for the event.
  • put a damper

So it was definitely that put it a damper on things.

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Examples

  • The unexpected rain put a damper on our picnic plans, leaving us to find indoor activities instead.

  • That does put a damper on our relationship.

    The Princess Bride (1987)

  • I think we could continue to go higher or if interest rates go up, maybe that might put a damper on things.

  • Boy, you know, this will put a damper on the show.

    Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989)

  • You know, a heart attack sure can put a damper on an anniversary party.

    A Madea Family Funeral (2019)

  • The stunning loss put a damper on what could have been a great season.

    Blog text (27)

  • Yes, that did put a damper on the evening, didn't it?

    Fiction book (2002)

  • I didn't mean to put a damper on the evening.

    Fiction book (1992)

  • Snowboarders still came out, but rain seemed to put a damper on some fun at Boreal Saturday.

    Blog text (28)

  • Well, the heavy rain is continuing to pour down on us, which might be good for some farmer or something; but as far as the Jazz Fest is concerned, it tends to put a damper on things.

    Three Days of Rain (2002)

Synonyms

dampener
vsdamper
1 4.6

Something that makes people feel less excited

is a broader limiting influence that discourages enjoyment or enthusiasm
deadener
vsdamper
7.7

A person or thing that makes a situation less exciting

is a broader limiting influence rather than only numbing emotion

Antonyms

inspiration
271 3.5

A feeling that makes you want to create or do something

encouragement
54 1.9

A feeling of support that makes you more confident and hopeful

Compounds

damper block
  • Specialized
8.2

A small piece of felt that drops on a piano string to stop it from vibrating

piano damper
  • Specialized
6.5

A small soft pad that rests on a piano string to stop it from vibrating

How Discouraging

killjoy
  • Offensive
8 6.9
party killer
  • Informal
1 7.2
downer
  • Informal
27 5.6
damper
15 6.3
spoiler
  • Texting
39 3.7

Surface Forms

damper singular
dampers plural

Morphology

damper = damp (semi-transparent) = damp + er

The noun is formed from 'damp' + '-er' and denotes something that dampens enthusiasm; the idiomatic usage ('put a damper on') may not be fully predictable for learners who know only the 'slightly wet' sense.

Etymology

Damper comes from the verb dampen, which means 'to make less excited' — imagine putting water on a flame to calm it. So when we say something is a damper, we mean it reduces joy or enthusiasm and makes the mood fall.