abate
UK: əˈbeɪt | US: əˈbeɪt
vt./vi. to become less intense or widespread
vt./vi. to reduce or remove (especially a legal nuisance)
vi. (of wind or violence) to subside
The word "abate" entered English via Old French abatre (to knock down), combining Latin ad- (toward) and battuere (to beat). Originally tied to physical force (e.g., beating down a door), it evolved metaphorically to mean "reduce in intensity," reflecting the gradual softening of action. The legal sense ("nullify") emerged in Middle English, preserving the idea of "striking down" an obstacle.
The storm began to abate after midnight.
The court ordered the landlord to abate the noise pollution.
Her anxiety abated once she received the good news.
Efforts to abate pollution require global cooperation.
The fever should abate within 24 hours of taking the medicine.