Abating

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /əˈbeɪtɪŋ/

Definitions

1. Decreasing in strength or intensity while lessening the severity of a condition or situation, ultimately leading to a reduction in the detrimental effects
2. Becoming less severe or intense, which involves a reduction in the impact of an unpleasant circumstance or condition
3. Showing a process of becoming less intense or widespread, leading to a decline in force or degree

Etymology: "Abating" is the present participle of "abate," so it describes something in the middle of losing force or intensity. "Abate" comes from Old French "abattre," meaning "to beat down," formed from "a-" and "batre," "to beat." The sense of weakening grew out of that physical image of something being struck down.

Synonyms: diminishing, lessening, decreasing

Antonyms: increasing, intensifying