Definition of: abate

(ə·bāt′) v. a·bat·ed, a·bat·ing v.t.
1. To make less; reduce in size, number, degree, amount, importance, speed, or force.
2. To deduct, as part of a payment.
3. Law To do away with; annul.
—v.i.
4. To become less, as in strength or degree.
5. Law To fail; become void. [< OF abatre beat down < a- to (<L ad-) + batre beat <L batuere]
—a·bat·a·ble (ə·bā′tə·bəl) adjective
—a·bat·er (ə·bāt′·ər) n. Synonyms: decline, decrease, diminish, ebb. lessen, lower, mitigate, moderate, reduce, relax, subside. See ABOLISH, ALLAY, ALLEVIATE.) Antonyms: aggravate, augment, enhance, increase, intensify.