The verb abate means to become less intense, widespread, or severe. It’s often used in formal or descriptive language—especially when referring to things like storms, emotions, noise, or even legal penalties. When something abates, it quiets down, fades away, or diminishes in force.
Definition
Abate (verb):
- To reduce in degree, intensity, or severity
“The storm finally began to abate after several hours.” - To become smaller or less threatening
“His anger gradually abated.” - (Legal) To put an end to or reduce a nuisance or charge
“The judge ordered the company to abate the noise violations.”
Examples in Context
- “We waited indoors for the wind to abate.”
- “Once the pain abated, she could focus again.”
- “The city passed laws to abate pollution in residential areas.”
Origin
From Old French abattre (“to beat down”), and Latin battuere (“to beat”), abate carries the sense of something being beaten back, reduced, or brought down.
Synonyms
- Diminish
- Subside
- Lessen
- Ebb
- Recede
Antonyms
- Intensify
- Escalate
- Amplify
- Increase
- Aggravate
Conclusion
To abate is to retreat from force or fury. It’s a word of relief, often marking the turning point when chaos begins to calm. Whether used in literature, law, or everyday conversation, “abate” captures the moment when pressure finally begins to lift.