Meredam

Meredam is an Indonesian verb meaning to dampen, suppress, or quell something—whether a physical flame, a tense situation, or an emotion. The word is formed with the prefix me- added to the root redam, which conveys the idea of restraining or checking. As a transitive verb, meredam requires an object and describes an active intervention aimed at preventing escalation or reducing intensity.

In usage, meredam appears in both concrete and abstract contexts. Examples include meredam api (to quell a fire), meredam inflasi (to curb inflation), meredam kerusuhan (to contain disturbances), and meredam emosi (to suppress emotions). The sense emphasizes proactive measures, control, and restraint rather than mere reaction. Grammatical forms commonly seen with the word include meredam and meredamkan, the latter used as a causative or intensified form, depending on the construction.

Meredam is widely used in journalism, policy discussions, and everyday language to describe efforts to prevent harm, stabilize a situation, or prevent unwanted outcomes. It often implies balance and prudence, suggesting that the action aims to maintain order or safety rather than eliminate a problem entirely.

As a proper noun, Meredam could conceivably appear as a place name or surname in fiction or creative writing, but it is primarily encountered as a common verb in Indonesian. Related terms include redam (the root) and dampen or suppress in English, which capture similar notions of containment and restraint.

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