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.

Should Powell stick around after his term ends on May 15, that could put a damper on the market, Smith said.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

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

Then came the dual writers’ and actors’ strikes in 2023 that put a damper on production again.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 10, 2025

High housing costs have long put a damper on sales.

From Barron's • Nov. 9, 2025

“I sure didn’t mean to put a damper on your party. Enjoy yourself, would you? We’ve waited a long time to celebrate your return.”

From "The Running Dream" by Wendelin Van Draanen

put a damper on

Example Sentences

Related Words