Quote:
Originally Posted by Chance
The correct word for a shock absorber is damper, not dampener. It “damps” (not dampens) unwanted motion in the suspension, or in this case steering linkage. Damping (not dampening) is associated with reduction of vibration or motion.
Dampen is associated with making or getting things wet, not controlling motion. Therefore, dampen, dampener, or dampening may be used often, but incorrectly when applied to vehicle suspension or motion control.
Just sharing information for those who may want to look it up for themselves. And for what it’s worth, a Google search will show 1,000s of incorrect uses. 
I know what everyone means — just trying to help those who want to know the difference.  |
Although Meriam Webster agrees with the "make wet" definition, their first definition applies to how shock absorbers work.
The British are more inclined to use damper to describe a shock absorber, but a dampener is someone or something that dampens. It’s usually used where damper would work just as well.
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