Damped

In a scientific or technical context, 'damped' describes a system where the amplitude of oscillations or vibrations gradually decreases over time, due to the dissipation of energy. This typically occurs through friction, resistance, or other energy-absorbing processes. The effect is a reduction in the magnitude of the wave or movement, leading to a settling or quieting down. It's about controlling or slowing down a response, making something less intense or active. It can also describe a loss of spirit, drive, or enthusiasm.

Damped meaning with examples

• The car's suspension system was designed to be heavily damped, absorbing road imperfections and providing a smooth ride. The dampers reduced oscillations effectively, preventing the car from bouncing excessively. This design ensured passenger comfort. The advanced dampening kept the vehicle stable on the highway, regardless of road conditions.
• The engineers used a viscous fluid in the shock absorbers to create a damped motion, preventing the bridge from swaying violently in high winds. This ensured structural integrity during strong gusts. Without damping, the bridge's response would have been unstable. The dampening system kept the bridge safe.
• After the economic downturn, the market experienced damped growth. Investment was cautious. Consumer spending declined, leading to less robust economic activity overall. The initial rapid rise in investments slowed. The dampening effect reduced the risk of inflation.
• The professor's attempts to stimulate discussion were often damped by students' shyness. Questions or debates were rare in class. The teacher's enthusiasm failed to elicit significant class participation. The class was typically quite silent, dampening his enthusiasm.
• His enthusiasm for the project was damped by the lack of funding. The financial constraints made it difficult to make progress, thus reducing the project's scope. His initial fervor waned with the news. His ambition eventually subsided under those constraints.