abate
- 01 C1 Advanced
to become less strong or intense, like a storm or a loud noise.
to decrease in force or intensity; to subside. Often used intransitively regarding weather phenomena or emotional states.
Simple“We waited in the house for the storm to abate before driving home.”
In context“The fury of the gale began to abate toward dawn, allowing rescue teams to assess the damage to the coastal defenses.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
to make something less, such as a tax, a problem, or a noise.
to lessen or reduce something in amount, degree, or intensity. Transitive use.
Simple“The new laws were designed to abate the smoke and noise from the factory.”
In context“The city council implemented several measures to abate the rising levels of noise pollution in the historic district.”
- 03 C2 Proficiency
to stop or end a legal case or a public problem.
to nullify a writ, end a nuisance, or terminate legal proceedings. Often used in technical legal contexts.
Simple“The judge decided to abate the legal proceedings due to a technical error.”
In context“The lawsuit was abated following the death of the defendant, as the cause of action did not survive against the estate.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is highly technical; learners will mostly encounter it in formal legal documents or news reports about court cases.
The verb is primarily intransitive, though it has a transitive sense in legal contexts meaning to nullify or end a nuisance.