What are the definitions of “damp down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Calm or reduce feelings, emotions.
They tried to DAMP DOWN the anger over the announcement.
- 2Make a fire burn less.
They tried to DAMP DOWN the flames before the fire spread.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “damp down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb damp down is to calm or reduce feelings or emotions. It is often used when talking about controlling strong emotions like anger, excitement, or fear.
What are the different verb forms of “damp down”?
| Root Verb | damp down |
| Third Person Singular Present | damps down |
| Present Participle | damping down |
| Simple Past | damped down |
| Past Participle | damped down |
Example
They need to damp down the excitement before it gets out of control.
Example
She damps down her anger before speaking to her boss.
Example
He is damping down his fear before the presentation.
Example
They damped down the panic during the emergency.
Example
The situation was damped down by the quick response of the authorities.
What kind of phrasal verb is “damp down”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“damp down” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She damped down her excitement before the interview.
Example
He damped down the flames to prevent the fire from spreading.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“damp down” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She damped down her excitement before the interview.
Example
He damped down the flames to prevent the fire from spreading.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “damp down”?
Good things to know
Does “damp down” have an informal or formal tone?
Damp down is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or presentations.
