Abate Meaning

Abate

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. To reduce in degree, intensity, or amount.
2. To lessen or diminish something, such as pain, noise, or a burden.
3. To subside or become less intense, especially regarding a condition or situation.

History and Origin

The word “abate” comes from the Old French abatre, meaning “to strike down” or “to beat down,” derived from a- (away) and battre (to beat). It entered English in the 14th century, initially meaning to strike down or reduce the force of something. Over time, its meaning broadened to include the reduction of various conditions, such as intensity or severity.

Detailed Explanation

To abate means to reduce the severity or intensity of something. It is often used in contexts where something that is excessive or troubling (such as pain, noise, or an issue) is diminished or lessened. Abatement can be used to describe both physical and metaphorical reductions. For example, when referring to noise, “abate” means to lower the volume, and when referring to a problem, it means to lessen its impact. It is commonly used in both everyday speech and legal or formal contexts.

Example Sentences

1. The storm finally began to abate, and the skies cleared.
2. The government is working to abate pollution levels in the city.
3. The pain in his leg started to abate after taking the medication.
4. The noise from the construction site began to abate as the workers finished for the day.
5. They were hopeful that the economic crisis would soon abate.
6. Efforts to abate the spread of the virus proved to be effective.
7. The lawyer filed a petition to abate the fines imposed on the company.
8. The temperature will abate in the evening, making it more comfortable outside.
9. The city’s taxes were abated for low-income families.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Reduce – To make something smaller or less in quantity, degree, or intensity, similar to abate.
2. Diminish – To decrease in size, extent, or importance, much like abating.
3. Lessen – To make something smaller or more tolerable, akin to abating.
4. Alleviate – To make something less severe or burdensome, such as pain or stress, similar to abate.
5. Ease – To make a situation or condition less difficult or uncomfortable, similar to abating discomfort.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Subside – To decrease in intensity or severity, similar to abate in reference to conditions like pain or storms.
2. Moderate – To reduce the intensity or harshness of something, often to make it more bearable.
3. Mitigate – To make a problem or situation less severe or damaging, akin to abating its effects.
4. Taper – To gradually reduce in size or amount, similar to the process of abatement.
5. Soften – To make something less harsh or intense, as in “softening” a difficult situation or condition.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Curtail – To cut short or reduce in extent, often used in similar contexts to abate.
2. Remit – To send or reduce a payment or penalty, related to the reduction aspect of abatement.
3. Halt – To stop something from continuing, often used in the sense of abating an ongoing issue or process.
4. Quell – To put an end to something, often by force, which can result in the abatement of the issue.
5. Suppress – To forcibly reduce or put an end to something, such as a disturbance or emotion, similar to abating it.

Antonyms

1. Increase
2. Intensify
3. Amplify
4. Exacerbate
5. Escalate