Abate: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used in formal contexts to describe the reduction of something negative like pain, intensity, or emotions.

• The storm began to abate after midnight
• His anger finally abated

Used when talking about reducing the importance, size, or intensity of something, often implying a continuous process.

• Her influence in the company has diminished over the years
• His contributions should not be diminished

Suitable for general usage and applicable in various contexts like numbers, amounts, or levels.

• They have decided to decrease the price of the product
• The population continues to decrease year after year

Appropriate when referring to a reduction in severity, degree, or impact, commonly used in discussions about negative effects or feelings.

• Taking painkillers can lessen the discomfort
• They are hoping to lessen the financial burden

Best used to describe the diminishing of more natural phenomena, emotions, or physical sensations. It often implies a gradual reduction until the condition becomes calm or normal.

• After a few hours, the pain subsided
• The flood waters are expected to subside by morning

Used to describe a reduction in the intensity or amount of something negative, such as noise, pain, or a storm.

• The storm finally began to abate after several hours of heavy rain.
• Her pain slowly abated with the medication.

Used when something is brought to an end, like a contract, relationship, or process.

• The company decided to terminate the contract due to breaches in terms.
• Their partnership was terminated after a series of disagreements.

Used to describe the act of rejecting an idea or discharging someone from a job or responsibility. Often used in a negative sense.

• The manager dismissed his suggestions as impractical.
• She was dismissed from her job due to poor performance.

Used to describe the action of stopping something, often legally or officially, like a rumor, rebellion, or legal decision.

• The court decided to quash the previous ruling.
• Efforts were made to quash the uprising before it could spread.

This word is often used in formal situations or in legal contexts to describe something becoming less intense or less severe.

• The storm finally began to abate after several hours of heavy rain
• The lawyer argued that the charges should abate due to lack of evidence

Commonly used to indicate a gradual reduction in quantity, quality, or importance. It can also denote a polite refusal.

• The number of tourists visiting the city began to decline during the off-season
• She was offered a high-ranking position but she politely declined

Utilized in everyday language to describe something becoming smaller in size, amount, or number.

• The company reported a decrease in profits this quarter
• There has been a noticeable decrease in the patient's symptoms

Often used to describe a reduction in something perceived as negative, such as pain or fear.

• The lessening of tension in the room was palpable after the apology
• He felt a lessening of his anxiety once the results were announced