abate
Cross references:
1. decrease
abate \*-'ba-t\ vb [ME abaten, fr. OF abattre to beat down - more at
REBATE] 1: to put an end to : NULLIFY {~ a nuisance} 2a: to reduce in
degree or intensity : DIMINISH 2b: to reduce in value 3: DEDUCT, OMIT
4a: to beat down or cut away so as to leave a figure in relief obs 4b:
BLUNT 5: DEPRIVE 1: to decrease in force or intensity : SUBSIDE 2a: to
become defeated or become null or void 2b: to decrease in amount or value
of progressive diminishing {winds are abating} SUBSIDE implies the ceasing
of turbulence or agitation {after the panic had subsided} WANE suggests the
fading or weakening of something good or impressive {waning enthusiasm} EBB
suggests the receding of something that commonly comes and goes {ebbing
vitality} - abat.er n SYN syn SUBSIDE, WANE, EBB: ABATE stresses the idea