lessen

[ les-uh n ]

/ ˈlɛs ən /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR lessen ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used without object)

to become less.

verb (used with object)

to make less; reduce.

Archaic. to represent as less; depreciate; disparage.

Nearby words

lespedeza, lesquerella, less, less than, lessee, lessen, lesseps, lesser, lesser antilles, lesser ape, lesser bear

Origin of lessen

1300–50; late Middle English lessenen, lasnen (see less, -en¹); replacing Middle English lessen

Related formsun·less·ened, adjective

Can be confusedlessen lesson

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for lessened

While fighting has lessened, Ukrainian soldiers continue to die in the country's southeast.
Corruption Eats Away at Ukraine Military|Charles McPhedran|October 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST
By Thursday night the shelling and Grad strikes had lessened.
Shakeup In the Ukraine Rebel High Command|Jamie Dettmer|August 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
That also lessened their worries, even though she had never left the country before.
Sarai Sierra, American Slain in Istanbul, Was an Artist in the Making|Michael Daly|February 5, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Their qualms have not necessarily been lessened by at times impolitic and immature remarks.
Chicago Teachers Union Blows Its Chance for a Deal|James Warren|September 18, 2012|DAILY BEAST

But when the candidates were named, the gap was lessened to just a two point GOP advantage, 45 to 43.
The Dems Aren't Toast|Kirsten Powers|September 23, 2010|DAILY BEAST
Even an undeniable loss resulted to the royal treasury, for in a few years the Indian tributes were lessened almost by half.
The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 - Volume 41 of 55, 1691-1700|Various
Perhaps his nervousness was not lessened by the glimpse he caught of Sam Hickeys face.
The Battleship Boys at Sea|Frank Gee Patchin
But, no matter what is used, the liability to explosion is not lessened in any degree.
Scientific American Supplement, No. 288|Various
In the sequel, finding this tribute could not be paid, its amount was lessened by the admiral.
A General History and Collection of Voyages and Travels, Vol. III|Robert Kerr
There was still a goodly difference between the two, but it was lessened.
Armorel of Lyonesse|Walter Besant

British Dictionary definitions for lessened

lessen

/ (ˈlɛsən) /

verb

to make or become less

(tr) to make little of

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for lessened

lessen

"to become less," c.1300, from less + -en (1). Related: Lessened; lessening.

lessen

verb (used without object)

verb (used with object)

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of lessen

Examples from the Web for lessened

British Dictionary definitions for lessened

lessen

verb

Word Origin and History for lessened

lessen