1. To pat, press, or pack some loose substance down. A noun or pronoun can be used between "tamp" and "down." He tamped down the tobacco into his pipe and lit it with a match. Don't tamp the soil down too hard, or the seeds won't have space to grow.

2. To lower or dampen something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "tamp" and "down." The analyst is recommending that investors tamp down their expectations for the economy's performance. I don't want to tamp his hopes down, but I don't want him to end up disappointed, either.

3. To suppress or demoralize someone. A noun or pronoun can be used between "tamp" and "down." My ex-husband was always trying to tamp me down so that I would think I didn't deserve anything better in life. There will always be bullies who tamp you down for being different.

4. To limit, manage, or moderate someone. A noun or pronoun can be used between "tamp" and "down." My doctor prescribed some medication to tamp me down when my mood swings become too erratic. Whenever I get really stressed out or angry because of work, I always listen to classical music to help tamp me down.