moisture diffused through the air or a solid substance or condensed on a surface, typically with detrimental or unpleasant effects

the house reeked of mould and damp

a discouragement or check

shame gave a damp to her triumph

make (something) slightly wet

damp a small area with water

make a fire burn less strongly by reducing the flow of air to it

he damped down the fire for the night

reduce or stop the vibration of (the strings of a piano or other musical instrument) so as to reduce the volume of sound

the muted notes should be produced by damping the strings at the seventh position

an ensemble of drums including a foot-damped instrument