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abate

Pronunciation: /əˈbeɪt/

The English word “abate” has 20 meanings listed here.

verb

  1. To lessen (something) in force or intensity; to moderate.
  2. To reduce (something) in amount or size.
  3. To cut away or hammer down (material from metalwork, a sculpture, etc.) in such a way as to leave a figure in relief.
  4. To lower (something) in price or value.
  5. To demolish or level to the ground (a building or other structure).
  6. To give no consideration to (something); to treat as an exception.
  7. To dull (an edge, point, etc.); to blunt.
  8. To make (a writ or other legal document) void; to nullify.
  9. To put an end to (a nuisance).
  10. To dismiss or otherwise bring to an end (legal proceedings) before they are completed, especially on procedural grounds rather than on the merits.
  11. To curtail or end (something); to cause to cease.
  12. To give (someone) a discount or rebate; also, to relieve (someone) of a debt.
  13. To bring down (someone) mentally or physically; to lower (someone) in status.
  14. Chiefly followed by from, of, etc.: to omit or remove (a part from a whole); to deduct, to subtract.
  15. Chiefly followed by of: to deprive (someone or something of another thing).
  16. To decrease in force or intensity; to subside.
  17. To decrease in amount or size.
  18. To lower in price or value; (law) specifically, of a bequest in a will: to lower in value because the testator's estate is insufficient to satisfy all the bequests in full.
  19. Of an edge, point, etc.: to become blunt or dull.
  20. Of a writ or other legal document: to become null and void; to cease to have effect.

Etymology

From Middle English abaten, from Anglo-Norman abatre, from Late Latin abbattere, from Latin battere. detailed etymology, sense derivation, and cognates The verb is derived from Middle English abaten (“to demolish, knock down; to defeat, strike down; to strike or take down (a sail); to throw down; to bow dejectedly or submissively; to be dejected; to stop; to defeat, humiliate; to repeal (a law);…

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