Smorzando

Smorzando (abbreviated smorz.) means to extinguish or smother the sound, combining diminuendoDiminuendoGradually getting softer; decreasing in volume.View full entry → with ritardandoRitardandoGradually slowing downView full entry →. It is stronger and more sudden than perdendosiPerdendosiDying away, becoming softer and usually slower.View full entry → — where perdendosi suggests a gentle fading, smorzando implies actively dampening the sound.