English Reference
Verb

subside

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /səbˈsaɪd/ UK /səbsˈaɪd/ sub·side UK spelling subsided, subsides

v.to become less strong or active. You use this when something like a storm, a feeling, or a situation is getting better or ending.

v.to become less intense, severe, or widespread. Often describes the gradual reduction of physical symptoms, weather conditions, or social tensions.


SIMPLE

The rain began to subside after several hours.

CONTEXTUAL

The swelling in his ankle started to subside once he took the prescribed medication.

COMPLEX

As the initial panic of the crowd began to subside, a sense of quiet determination took hold, allowing the emergency services to reach the injured safely.

The two runways at New York's LaGuardia airport were left under water for several days, preventing it from reopening even after the winds had subsided.

BBC News· 5 Sept 2026

From Latin subsīdō (“I settle, subside”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin subsīdō
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated