damp
UK[dæmp]US[dæmp]
adj
Slightly wet, often in an unpleasant way.
v
To make something slightly wet.
v
To make a feeling or something such as a sound less strong.
Etymology
The word 'damp' entered English in the medieval period from Middle Low German damp, meaning 'vapor' or 'steam'. This Germanic root is thought to be imitative in origin, possibly related to the concept of something stifling or smoky. Over time, its meaning shifted from the vapor itself to the moisture associated with it, and then to the state of being slightly wet. The verb senses, such as reducing the intensity of a sound or feeling, evolved metaphorically from the idea of moisture suppressing or deadening something, much as a damp cloth muffles a sound.
Analysis
This word is a simplex form. It originates from a Middle Low German word meaning 'vapor, steam', related to the modern German 'Dampf'. Its functional role is as a complete lexical root.
Examples
The walls were cold and damp.
She damped a cloth to clean the surface.
The bad news dampened their enthusiasm for the project.