a•bateəˈbeɪt(v.)a•bat•ed, a•bat•ing.

1. (v.t.)to reduce in amount, degree, intensity, etc.; lessen; diminish:

   to abate a tax; to abate one's enthusiasm.

2. Law. to stop or suppress (an action, nuisance, etc.). to annul (a writ).

   Category: Law

3. to deduct or subtract:

   to abate part of the price.

4. (v.i.)to diminish in intensity, violence, amount, etc.:

   The storm has abated.

5. Law. to end; become null and void.

   Category: Law

Origin of abate:

1300–50; ME < MF abatre to beat down =a-a -5+batre < LL batere, for L battuere to beat

a•bat′er(n.)

a•ba′tor(n.)