abate
Translation
to lessen, to subside, to reduce
Examples
The storm began to abate.
The storm began to abate.
We waited for the noise to abate.
We waited for the noise to abate.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) (of something unpleasant) to become less intense The storm began to abate.
Similar Words
Synonyms: subside, lessen, decrease; Antonyms: increase, intensify, grow
Etymology
From Old French 'abattre', meaning 'to beat down'. Something becomes less intense as if it has been beaten down.
Memory Tips
Think of a storm's wind and rain 'beating down' less and less, so it abates. It's a formal word.