abatement
/əˈbeɪtmənt/
NOUN
1. Reduction in intensity or severity
A decrease in the intensity, force, severity, or extent of something, such as a storm, pain, noise, or other condition.
1.1. Weather and natural forces
A reduction in the strength or severity of natural conditions, including storms, wind, rain, heat, or other weather phenomena.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- intensification
- increase
- escalation
- strengthening
- worsening
Examples
- The abatement of the storm allowed rescue operations to resume.
- Residents waited for an abatement in the extreme heat.
- The gradual abatement of the wind made sailing safer.
Related Words
- storm
- wind
- rainfall
- severity
- intensity
1.2. Reduction in pain or emotional distress
A decrease in the severity of pain, anxiety, anger, fear, or another uncomfortable physical or emotional state.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- aggravation
- intensification
- worsening
- exacerbation
- increase
Examples
- The medication brought about an abatement of her pain.
- He noticed a gradual abatement of anxiety after the meeting.
- The treatment provided some abatement of the patient's symptoms.
Related Words
- pain
- anxiety
- distress
- discomfort
- symptom
1.3. Reduction in noise, commotion, or unrest
A decline in the volume, intensity, or activity of noise, public disturbance, protest, or general commotion.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- uproar
- escalation
- intensification
- increase
- agitation
Examples
- The abatement of the crowd's noise signaled the beginning of the performance.
- Officials hoped for an abatement of public unrest.
- There was little abatement in the protests throughout the afternoon.
Related Words
- noise
- commotion
- disturbance
- protest
- unrest
1.4. Reduction or cancellation of taxes, fees, or penalties
An official reduction, remission, or cancellation of a tax, fee, fine, penalty, or other financial obligation.
Synonyms
- reduction
- remission
- waiver
- cancellation
- relief
- forgiveness
Antonyms
- imposition
- levy
- increase
- surcharge
- penalty
Examples
- The business qualified for a property tax abatement.
- The court approved an abatement of the late payment penalty.
- The homeowner applied for an abatement of the disputed tax assessment.
Related Words
1.5. Control or elimination of nuisances and hazards
The reduction, removal, or correction of a harmful condition, environmental hazard, or public nuisance, often through legal or regulatory action.
Synonyms
- mitigation
- remediation
- elimination
- reduction
- removal
- correction
Antonyms
- aggravation
- worsening
- perpetuation
- intensification
Examples
- The project included asbestos abatement before the building was renovated.
- The city issued an order for the abatement of the public nuisance.
- Lead abatement was completed before children returned to the property.
Related Words
- pollution
- contamination
- hazard
- nuisance
- regulation
- cleanup