tamp down

Pack it tight

To tamp down is to press or pack something more firmly into place, originally by repeated light blows: tamp down the soil around the plant, tamp down the tobacco in a pipe.

Figuratively, it means to suppress or reduce the intensity of something: tamp down expectations, tamp down the rumors before they spread.

suppress

quell

Forcibly end unrest

restrainLimit freedom of movement
curbRaised road margin
stifleSuppress or restrain

contain · repress · hold back · dampen · check · control · squash · subdue · smother · rein in

compress

pack

Group or compress

compactTightly packed together
pressApply force downward
flattenMake level or smooth

firm up · settle · consolidate · densify · pound · ram · trowel · soil · gravel · earth

calm

soothe

Gently ease discomfort

settleReach final terms
easeLack of strain
quietLacking in sound

defuse · de-escalate · cool · moderate · temper · soften · allay · pacify · mollify · assuage

Categories

bottling emotionsrepress, suppress, stifle, hold back, contain
calmingcalm, soothe, relax, pacify, ease
self-controlself-control, restraint, willpower, composure, moderation

Opposites

physical compression

tamp downloosen

Reduce tension or grip

loosen up · aerate · fluff up · break up · dig up

suppression/control

tamp downstir up

Cause to arise

inflame · fan the flames · incite · whip up · rile up

fire/combustion management

tamp downstoke

Feed a fire

fan · kindle · fan the flames · feed · fuel

Family

down, downer, tamper, downed, tampon, tampering, downing, tamp, tampers

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G