Phr V
dampen down
damps, damping, damped/dampens, dampening, dampened
damp/dampen down sth or damp/dampen sth down
to make a fire burn more slowly by covering it so that it gets less airHe threw leaves on in an attempt to damp down the flames.
if you damp down a part of your body that is swollen (= bigger than usual because of disease), you put something on it to make it smaller and less soreNasal sprays can help to damp down any inflammation in the nose.
to make a strong feeling {e.g. anger} be felt less stronglyThe murder has roused anger in the community which may not be easily damped down.
to make a surface slightly wetOn hot days you should damp down your greenhouse to lower the temperature.