Abate
/əˈbeɪt/
To make something weaker or less powerful, like when a loud noise gets quieter or when a strong storm starts to fade away.
Examples
- After the storm passed, the strong winds began to abate, allowing us to safely go outside and assess the damage to our backyard and the trees around our neighborhood.
- In science class, we learned that as the temperature drops during the winter months, the speed of chemical reactions tends to abate, which is why some processes take longer in the cold.
- As the sun began to set, the harsh brightness of the day started to abate, creating a beautiful twilight that made everything around us look magical and serene.
Synonyms
reduce
lessen
diminish
calm
ease
subside
Antonyms
increase
intensify
amplify
grow
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