dampener
Reduces unwanted oscillations
A dampener is something that reduces intensity or diminishes effect.
A dampener on enthusiasm is anything that subdues it.
In mechanical contexts, a dampener absorbs vibration or moderates movement.
The phrase put a dampener on means to discourage or restrain: The rain put a dampener on our picnic plans.
Also spelled damper, which is more common.
Reverse in progress
- buzzkillFun-spoiling person or thing
- killjoyOne who dampens merriment
- downerDispiriting experience or thing
- spoilsportOne who dampens others' enjoyment
deterrent · disincentive · hindrance · obstacle · pessimism · disillusionment · demotivation · dejection
Piston-based motion resistor
- snubberMechanism absorbing sudden forces
- stabilizerThing ensuring steadiness
- bufferProtective intermediate space
Preventing noise transmission
Controlled heating and cooling
- softeningBecoming less firm
- cushioningSoftening force or fall
- bufferingTemporary data accumulation
- attenuatingReducing in force
reducing · lessening · mitigating · easing · blunting · subduing · diminishing · weakening
Moisture-adding appliance
- dehumidifierDevice reducing air moisture
- condensationVapor turning to liquid
- steamHeated water's gaseous form
- mistingDispersing fine water spray
setback
Reverse in progress
- buzzkillFun-spoiling person or thing
- killjoyOne who dampens merriment
- downerDispiriting experience or thing
spoilsport · deterrent · disincentive · hindrance · obstacle · pessimism · disillusionment · demotivation · dejection · disappointment
dashpot
Piston-based motion resistor
- snubberMechanism absorbing sudden forces
- stabilizerThing ensuring steadiness
- bufferProtective intermediate space
soundproofing
Preventing noise transmission
tempering
Controlled heating and cooling
- softeningBecoming less firm
- cushioningSoftening force or fall
- bufferingTemporary data accumulation
attenuating · reducing · lessening · mitigating · easing · blunting · subduing · diminishing · weakening · moderating
humidifier
Moisture-adding appliance
- dehumidifierDevice reducing air moisture
- condensationVapor turning to liquid
- steamHeated water's gaseous form
- audiosound, headphones, audio track, volume control, sound recording
- racket sportsserve, volley, forehand, backhand, doubles
- mechanical partsgears, levers, pulleys, bearings, springs
- safeguardssafeguards, safety valve, protections, kill switch, defenses
- discouragementdiscouragement, dejection, defeatism, disappointment, letdown
- crossbowsarbalest, bolt, bolts, bowstring, crossbow bolt
dampeneramplifier
Signal-strengthening electronic device
intensifier · booster · enhancer · magnifier · accelerator
dampenerenergizer
Source of drive
pick-me-up · shot in the arm · life of the party · spark · encouragement
- noise dampeningLessening acoustic intensity
- dampen downReduce or restrain intensity