lessen
Americanverb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
-
to make less; reduce.
-
Archaic. to represent as less; depreciate; disparage.
verb
-
to make or become less
-
(tr) to make little of
Other Word Forms
- unlessened adjective
Etymology
Origin of lessen
First recorded in 1300–50; late Middle English lessenen, lasnen; equivalent to less + -en 1
Explanation
To lessen is to make smaller, to reduce, or to weaken. A high school football coach might try to lessen head injuries by improving the quality of the team's helmets. If your cold symptoms lessen, it means you're sneezing and coughing much less and can probably go to school. If the value of your Pez collection lessens, it means those plastic candy dispensers can't be sold for quite as much money on eBay. And your friend might recommend that you take a yoga class or learn to meditate, especially if she thinks you should lessen your stress and anxiety.
Vocabulary lists containing lessen
Going Down: Synonyms for "Fall"
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Chop Chop: Synonyms for "Cut"
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Road Trip Magical Mystery List A
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Shoppers might want to consider a used electric vehicle at least to lessen the pain at the pump.
From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026
And some opponents of the term “functional cure” say it may lessen the urgency for achieving the ultimate goal: a complete cure.
From Slate • Mar. 29, 2026
Rucci previously said the center will use reclaimed wastewater and EPA-certified natural gas generators to help lessen any environmental harms.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026
While staying the course with your investment program is likely the best strategy, you can take steps to lessen the risks inherent in today’s “narrow” market.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 22, 2026
I thought that would help me and lessen the stress in my life, but it didn’t.
From "The Freedom Writers Diary" by The Freedom Writers
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
