LESSEN

lessen. Lessen, v. to grow or make less, shrink, degrade

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Less″en (lĕs″'n), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lessened (–'nd); p. pr. & vb. n. Lessening.] [[From Less, a.]] To make less; to reduce; to make smaller, or fewer; to diminish; to lower; to degrade; as, to lessen a kingdom, or a population; to lessen speed, rank, fortune. Charity . . . shall lessen his punishment. Calamy. St. Paul chose to magnify his office when ill men conspired to lessen it. Atterbury. Syn. — To diminish; reduce; abate; decrease; lower; impair; weaken; degrade.