ab|federn
Translation
to cushion, to absorb (shock), to mitigate, to soften the blow
Examples
Die Stoßdämpfer federn die Stöße gut ab.
The shock absorbers cushion the bumps well.
Die Regierung versucht, die wirtschaftlichen Folgen abzufedern.
The government is trying to mitigate the economic consequences.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to cushion/mitigate (sth.) The shock absorbers abfedern the bumps.
Similar Words
dämpfen (to dampen), mildern (to mitigate), abschwächen (to weaken)
Etymology
From 'ab-' (off, away) and 'federn' (to be springy), from 'Feder' (spring, feather). It means to 'spring off' an impact.
Memory Tips
Imagine a spring ('Feder') pushing 'ab' (away) the force of an impact, thus cushioning it.