1. A restrained or suppressed response to something, characterized by lack of enthusiasm or visible emotion
The audience gave a muted reaction to the announcement.
O público teve uma reação abafada ao anúncio.
2. A response that is deliberately kept quiet or not fully expressed
His reação abafada to the criticism showed he was disappointed but unwilling to express it openly.
Sua reação abafada à crítica mostrou que estava decepcionado mas relutante em expressar isso abertamente.