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abatement

US //əˈbeɪtmənt// UK //ɐbˈeɪtmənt// abate·ment
  1. 1 reduction of a nuisance (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Technical Law

    the act of reducing or stopping something bad, like noise or pollution.

    the reduction or removal of a nuisance, impact, or environmental hazard.

    Example

    The city ordered the immediate abatement of the noise from the construction site.

    Example

    The court issued an order for the abatement of the environmental hazard, requiring the company to remove the toxic waste within thirty days.

    Usage

    Often used with 'of' followed by the nuisance being reduced.
  2. 2 tax or price reduction (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Technical Law

    a reduction in the amount of tax or money you have to pay.

    a deduction or rebate allowed on a public tax or a financial obligation.

    Example

    New businesses in the area can apply for a tax abatement for five years.

    Example

    The local government offered a significant property tax abatement to encourage developers to renovate the derelict industrial district.

    Usage

    Commonly appears in the phrase 'tax abatement'.
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  1. 3 legal ending of a case (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal Technical Law

    the act of ending a legal case or stopping a process.

    the act of quashing or ending a legal proceeding or a will's provisions.

    Example

    The lawyer requested an abatement of the lawsuit due to a technical error.

    Example

    The death of the defendant resulted in the abatement of the civil proceedings before a verdict could be reached.
Origin

From Middle English abatement, from Anglo-Norman abatre (“to abate”) (from Old French abatre), + -ment; equivalent to abate + -ment.

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