abate
/əˈbeɪt/
VERB
1. To become less intense or severe
To decrease in intensity, strength, severity, or force, often gradually.
1.1. Weather and natural forces
Used when wind, storms, rain, heat, or other natural conditions become weaker or less severe.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- intensify
- increase
- strengthen
- escalate
- worsen
Examples
- The wind began to abate before the rescue team returned to shore.
- The storm is expected to abate overnight.
- The heat finally abated after sunset.
Related Words
- storm
- wind
- rainfall
- severity
- intensity
1.2. Emotions, pain, and symptoms
Used when anger, fear, pain, anxiety, excitement, or physical symptoms gradually become weaker or less noticeable.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- Her anxiety began to abate once the examination was over.
- The pain gradually abated after he rested.
- His anger did not abate despite their explanation.
Related Words
1.3. Noise, activity, or public disorder
Used when noise, excitement, commotion, protests, or other forms of activity become quieter or less forceful.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- rise
- intensify
- mount
- escalate
- grow
Examples
- The crowd's cheering began to abate as the stadium emptied.
- The public uproar did not abate after the announcement.
- The noise from the construction site abated toward the end of the day.
Related Words
- commotion
- uproar
- crowd
- disturbance
- activity
1.4. Reducing or removing a charge, penalty, or obligation
Used in legal, financial, or administrative contexts when a tax, fee, penalty, debt, or other imposed amount is reduced or canceled.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The court agreed to abate the penalty because of the exceptional circumstances.
- The municipality may abate certain property taxes for eligible residents.
- The agency approved a request to abate the late fee.
Related Words
1.5. Nuisances and harmful conditions
Used when a nuisance, environmental hazard, or harmful condition is reduced, controlled, or eliminated, especially through official action.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- aggravate
- worsen
- perpetuate
- intensify
- exacerbate
Examples
- The contractor took steps to abate the lead contamination in the building.
- The city ordered the property owner to abate the public nuisance.
- New measures were introduced to abate air pollution in the industrial area.