v. t. | 1. | To make less; to reduce; to make smaller, or fewer; to diminish; to lower; to degrade; |
v. i. | 1. | To become less; to shrink; to contract; to decrease; to be diminished; |
Verb | 1. | lessen - decrease in size, extent, or range; "The amount of homework decreased towards the end of the semester"; "The cabin pressure fell dramatically"; "her weight fall to under a hundred pounds"; "his voice fell to a whisper" |
2. | lessen - make smaller; "He decreased his staff" | |
3. | lessen - wear off or die down; "The pain subsided" Synonyms: subside |