subside

[suhb-sahyd]

verb (used without object)

subsided, subsiding 

1. to sink to a low or lower level.

   Synonyms: settle, descend, decline
   Antonyms: rise

2. to become quiet, less active, or less violent; abate.

   The laughter subsided.

   Synonyms: ebb, wane, lessen, diminish
   Antonyms: increase

3. to sink or fall to the bottom; settle; precipitate.

   to cause coffee grounds to subside.

subside

/ səbˈsaɪd /

verb

1. to become less loud, excited, violent, etc; abate

2. to sink or fall to a lower level

3. (of the surface of the earth, etc) to cave in; collapse

4. (of sediment, etc) to sink or descend to the bottom; settle

Other Word Forms

• subsidence noun
• subsider noun
• nonsubsiding adjective
• unsubsided adjective
• unsubsiding adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of subside¹

First recorded in 1640–50; from Latin subsīdere, from sub- sub- + sīdere “to sit down, settle” ( sit ¹ )

Word History and Origins

Origin of subside¹

C17: from Latin subsīdere to settle down, from sub- down + sīdere to settle

Example Sentences

She said they would not know the full damage caused to the house and cars parked outside until the winds subside.

From BBC

The protests have since spread beyond Antananarivo, gripping eight other cities across the island, with no signs of subsiding.

From BBC

"There are mud and rocks everywhere. Some flooding has subsided but some remains."

From BBC

After his initial shock subsided, Ubaldini tried selling the records himself.

From Los Angeles Times

The concern, though, is the manner in which he and his fellow batters subsided.

From BBC

Related Words

• abate 
• descend 
• diminish 
• dwindle 
• ease 
• ease off 
• ebb 
• melt 
• peter out 
• recede 
• slacken 
• wane