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abate

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The definition of abate means to become less or lower in amount or force than at a prior time.

(verb)

An example of abate is when a hurricane becomes a tropical storm.

See abate in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb abated, abating

to make less in amount, degree, force, etc.
to deduct
Law to put a stop to (a suit or action), end (a nuisance), etc.; terminate

Origin: ME abaten < OFr abattre, to beat down: see a- & batter

intransitive verb

to become less in amount, degree, force, etc.; diminish

Related Forms:

abatable adjective
abater noun or Lawabator

See abate in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb a·bat·ed, a·bat·ing, a·bates

verb, transitive

To reduce in amount, degree, or intensity; lessen. See Synonyms at decrease.
To deduct from an amount; subtract.
Law
a. To put an end to.
b. To make void.

verb, intransitive

To fall off in degree or intensity; subside.
Law To become void.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English abaten

Origin: , from Old French abattre, to beat down

Origin: : a-, to (from Latin ad-; see ad-)

Origin: + batre, to beat; see batter¹

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