attenuate
UK: əˈten.ju.eɪt | US: əˈten.ju.eɪt
vt. to reduce the force, effect, or value of something
vt. to make something thinner or weaker
adj. (rare) reduced in thickness or density
"Attenuate" traces back to Latin "attenuare," combining "ad-" (intensifying "to") + "tenuis" (thin). Originally describing physical thinning (e.g., liquids), it expanded metaphorically to weakening effects or intensity. The morphemes reflect a clear cause-effect logic: "make (ate) something thin (tenu) thoroughly (at-)."
The doctor used a filter to attenuate the radiation dose.
Overuse has attenuated the impact of this marketing strategy.
The wire was attenuated to half its original thickness.
Her voice attenuated as she moved farther away.
The vaccine contains an attenuated form of the virus.