dampen /ˈdæmpən/ TEM8 ( dampening, dampened, dampens )

• 1. 

  V-T To dampen something such as someone's enthusiasm or excitement means to make it less lively or intense. 抑制; 减少

  例：

  Nothing seems to dampen his perpetual enthusiasm.

  似乎没有什么能减弱他持久的热情。

• 2. 

  PHRASAL VERB To dampen something down means the same as to it. 抑制; 减少

  例：

  The new penalties were aimed at dampening down consumer spending.

  新的惩罚措施旨在抑制消费者支出。