abate
Translation
to abate, to subside, to lessen
Examples
The storm began to abate.
The storm began to abate.
We must abate the noise pollution.
We must abate the noise pollution.
Grammar Patterns
((sth. abates)) (intransitive) to become less strong The storm began to abate.
((to abate sth.)) (transitive) to make something less strong We must abate the noise pollution.
Similar Words
Synonyms: subside, lessen, decrease; Antonyms: intensify, increase, amplify
Etymology
From Old French 'abattre', meaning 'to beat down'. 'a-' (to) + 'battre' (to beat).
Memory Tips
Think of taking away the 'bait' (abate). When the bait is gone, the excitement lessens.