abate

verb (abated; abating) Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French abatre to strike down — more at rebate Date: 13th century transitive verb 1. a. to put an end to <

abate a nuisance

> b. nullify 1 <

abate a writ

> 2. a. to reduce in degree or intensity ; moderate <

may abate their rancor to win peace

> b. to reduce in value or amount ; make less especially by way of relief <

abate a tax

> 3. deduct, omit <

abate part of the price

> 4. a. to beat down or cut away so as to leave a figure in relief b. obsolete blunt 5. deprive 2 intransitive verb 1. to decrease in force or intensity 2. a. to become defeated or become null or void b. to decrease in amount or value • abater noun Synonyms: abate, subside, wane, ebb mean to die down in force or intensity. abate stresses the idea of progressive diminishing <

the storm abated

>. subside implies the ceasing of turbulence or agitation <

the protests subsided after a few days

>. wane suggests the fading or weakening of something good or impressive <

waning enthusiasm

>. ebb suggests the receding of something (as the tide) that commonly comes and goes <

the ebbing of daylight

>. Synonym: see in addition decrease.