subside

American  

[suhb-sahyd] / səbˈsaɪd /

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.

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subside British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of subside

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

Example Sentences

The foaming sea sloshing in my gut subsides.

From Literature

He’d only recalled the feeling of warmth that had settled over him, the relief as his trembling had subsided beneath the sweater.

From Literature

With a two-hour launch window, there will be a hope that any clouds, potential showers and strong winds may subside or stay far enough away that there will be a weather window.

From BBC

“If refineries are shut down, it will take a long time to resume normal oil production even after the conflict subsides,” the report said.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s also unclear just how quickly TSA staffing shortages will subside, too.

From Barron's

Related Words

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