amortecedor, abafador, regulador
1. A device that reduces the amplitude of oscillations or vibrations
The car's suspension includes dampers to absorb bumps in the road.
A suspensão do carro inclui amortecedores para absorver as pancadas da estrada.
2. Something that has a depressing or inhibiting effect; a wet blanket
His negative comments put a damper on the celebration.
Seus comentários negativos colocaram um pano frio na celebração.
3. A valve or plate that regulates the flow of air or gases, especially in a chimney or furnace
Close the fireplace damper to prevent heat from escaping up the chimney.
Feche o regulador da lareira para evitar que o calor escape pela chaminé.
4. In music, a device or pedal that suppresses or softens sound vibrations
The piano damper pedal allows the strings to vibrate freely.
O pedal abafador do piano permite que as cordas vibrem livremente.
In American English, 'damper' is frequently used idiomatically to mean something that spoils enjoyment or enthusiasm ('put a damper on the party'). In Brazilian Portuguese, while 'amortecedor' is the technical term, the idiom 'pano frio' (literally 'cold cloth') is more commonly used for the figurative meaning. In automotive contexts, both Americans and Brazilians use the mechanical meaning extensively, though Americans often say 'shock absorber' more frequently than 'damper' in this context.
NYC Slang
party pooper, buzz killer, wet blanket (for the figurative sense)
Related Idioms & Phrases
put a damper on something
cast a damper on something
throw a damper on something
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