ab|schwächen
Translation
to weaken, to mitigate, to lessen, to tone down
Examples
Der Sturm hat sich abgeschwächt.
The storm has weakened.
Man versucht, die Sanktionen abzuschwächen.
They are trying to weaken the sanctions.
Diese Maßnahme schwächt die Wirtschaft ab.
This measure weakens the economy.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to weaken sth. They are trying to weaken the sanctions.
sich to weaken (reflexive) The storm has weakened.
Similar Words
Synonyms: mildern, lindern, verringern; Antonyms: stärken, verstärken
Etymology
From the prefix 'ab-' (down, away) and 'schwächen' (to weaken). Literally 'to weaken down'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'ab-' as taking something away or reducing it. You are taking away strength, thus weakening it.