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Definitions

put a damper on

VERB
deter
Synonyms
STRONGEST
avert block dampen daunt discourage dissuade forestall frighten hinder impede intimidate obstruct preclude prevent prohibit restrain scare stop
STRONG
caution chill cool damp debar divert forfend obviate warn
WEAK
act like a wet blanket disadvise put off rule out shut out stave off talk out of throw cold water on
Antonyms
STRONGEST
advance aid allow assist encourage facilitate forward hearten help incite inspirit permit promote push support
STRONG
heat warm
WEAK
instigate persuade put on to stimulate turn on urge
VERB
dishearten
Synonyms
STRONGEST
daunt deject demoralize deter discourage dismay dispirit humble humiliate
STRONG
chill crush damp dampen dash disincline disparage indispose shake
WEAK
cast down get down put down throw a pall over
Antonyms
STRONGEST
build up encourage hearten inspirit praise promote stimulate urge
STRONG
compliment
VERB
sadden
Synonyms
STRONGEST
discourage dishearten dispirit grieve
STRONG
dash deject deplore desolate distress down oppress press
WEAK
break one's heart bring one down bum out cast down dampen spirits drag down make blue put into a funk throw cold water on turn one off weigh down
Antonyms
STRONGEST
encourage hearten inspirit
STRONG
aid assist delight help
WEAK
cheer gladden make happy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Then there’s the question of protecting teams against the threat of their prized assets’ getting hurt—a complicated issue that has already put a damper on the WBC before the first pitch has even been thrown.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

That’s put a damper on the optimism heading into this year about a potential dollar rebound.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 23, 2026

It’s likely that Thursday’s storm will be more beneficial than hazardous, helping to further put a damper on the autumn fire season.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 20, 2025

High housing costs have long put a damper on sales.

From Barron's • Nov. 9, 2025

You would think the cold weather might put a damper on the smells.

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson