First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1damp
noun \ˈdamp\
: slight wetness in the air
Full Definition of DAMP
1
: a noxious gas — compare black damp, firedamp
3
a : discouragement, check b archaic : depression, dejection
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Origin of DAMP
Middle English, black damp, from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German, vapor; akin to Old High German damph vapor
2damp
verb
: to make (something) somewhat or slightly wet
: to make (something) less strong or active
Full Definition of DAMP
transitive verb
1
a : to affect with or as if with a noxious gas : choke b : to diminish the activity or intensity of <damping down the causes of inflation> <liquid damps out compass oscillations> c : to check the vibration or oscillation of (as a string or voltage)
2
: dampen
intransitive verb
: to diminish progressively in vibration or oscillation
See damp defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DAMP
14th century
3damp
adjective
: somewhat or slightly wet
Full Definition of DAMP
2
— damp·ish \ˈdam-pish\ adjective
— damp·ly adverb
— damp·ness noun
See damp defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of DAMP
1590
Synonym Discussion of DAMP
wet, damp, dank, moist, humid mean covered or more or less soaked with liquid. wet usually implies saturation but may suggest a covering of a surface with water or something (as paint) not yet dry <slipped on the wet pavement>. damp implies a slight or moderate absorption and often connotes an unpleasant degree of moisture <clothes will mildew if stored in a damp place>. dank implies a more distinctly disagreeable or unwholesome dampness <a prisoner in a cold, dank cell>. moist applies to what is slightly damp or not felt as dry <treat the injury with moist heat>. humid applies to the presence of much water vapor in the air <a hot, humid climate>.
DAMPISH Defined for Kids
1damp
noun \ˈdamp\
Definition of DAMP for Kids
1
: moisture <The cold and damp made me shiver.>
2
: a harmful gas found especially in coal mines
2damp
verb
dampeddamp·ing
Definition of DAMP for Kids
: dampen
3damp
adjective
damp·erdamp·est
Definition of DAMP for Kids
: slightly wet : moist
— damp·ness noun
Medical Dictionary
damp
noun \ˈdamp\
Medical Definition of DAMP
: a noxious or stifling gas or vapor; especially : one occurring in coal mines—usually used in plural; see black damp, firedamp
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