abate

[uh-beyt]

verb (used with object)

abated, abating 

1. to reduce in amount, degree, intensity, etc.; lessen; diminish: to abate one's enthusiasm.

   to abate a tax;

   to abate one's enthusiasm.

   Synonyms: weaken, decrease
   Antonyms: intensify, increase

2. Law.

   1. to put an end to or suppress (a nuisance).

   2. to suspend or extinguish (an action).

   3. to annul (a writ).

3. to deduct or subtract.

   to abate part of the cost.

4. to omit.

   to abate all mention of names.

5. to remove, as in stone carving, or hammer down, as in metalwork, (a portion of a surface) in order to produce a figure or pattern in low relief.

verb (used without object)

abated, abating 

1. to diminish in intensity, violence, amount, etc.: The pain in his shoulder finally abated.

   The storm has abated.

   The pain in his shoulder finally abated.

   Synonyms: subside
   Antonyms: intensify, increase

2. Law.,  to end; become null and void.

abate

/ əˈbeɪt /

verb

1. to make or become less in amount, intensity, degree, etc

   the storm has abated

2. (tr) law

   1. to remove, suppress, or terminate (a nuisance)

   2. to suspend or extinguish (a claim or action)

   3. to annul (a writ)

3. (intr) law (of a writ, legal action, etc) to become null and void

4. (tr) to subtract or deduct, as part of a price

Other Word Forms

• abatable adjective
• abater noun
• unabatable adjective
• unabating adjective
• unabatingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of abate¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Middle French abatre “to beat down,” equivalent to a- a- ⁵ + batre, from Late Latin batere for Latin battuere “to beat”; a- perhaps also understood as a- ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of abate¹

C14: from Old French abatre to beat down, fell

Example Sentences

Scientists believe countless more animals died at sea before the outbreak abated in May.

From Los Angeles Times

In the 230-odd days since Harris left office, there is no reason to believe racism and misogyny, not to mention wild-eyed partisan hatred, have suddenly abated in this great land of ours.

From Los Angeles Times

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders declined to comment - but the debate around SUVs in cities shows no sign of abating.

From BBC

Three and a half years after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, fighting on the ground shows no sign of abating.

From BBC

Away from high-level diplomacy, the war shows no sign of abating.

From BBC

Related Words

• decrease 
• diminish 
• dwindle 
• ebb 
• recede 
• slacken 
• subside 
• taper 
• wane