The Definition of Abate

a·bate /əˈbeɪt/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[uh-beyt] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation verb, a·bat·ed, a·bat·ing.
–verb (used with object) 1. to reduce in amount, degree, intensity, etc.; lessen; diminish: to abate a tax; to abate one's enthusiasm.
2. Law. a. to put an end to or suppress (a nuisance).
b. to suspend or extinguish (an action).
c. to annul (a writ).

3. to deduct or subtract: to abate part of the cost.
4. to omit: to abate all mention of names.
5. to remove, as in stone carving, or hammer down, as in metalwork, (a portion of a surface) in order to produce a figure or pattern in low relief.
–verb (used without object) 6. to diminish in intensity, violence, amount, etc.: The storm has abated. The pain in his shoulder finally abated.
7. Law. to end; become null and void.


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[Origin: 1300–50; ME < MF abatre to beat down, equiv. to a- a-5 + batre < LL batere for L battuere to beat; a- perh. also understood as a-3]

—Related forms
a·bat·a·ble, adjective
a·bat·er; Law. a·ba·tor, noun


—Synonyms 1. decrease, weaken. 6. subside.
—Antonyms 1, 6. increase, intensify.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.