lessen

Definition

To make less; to diminish; to reduce.

Etymology

From Middle English lessenen, lasnen, equivalent to less + -en (verbal suffix).

Example Sentences

• "a. 1686, Benjamin Calamy, a sermon Charity […] shall lessen his punishment."
• "December 6, 1709, Francis Atterbury, a sermon preach'd before the sons of the clergy at their anniversary-meeting in the Church of St. Paul St. Paul chose to magnify his office when ill men conspired to lessen it."
• "The thin glass that makes mirror tiles light in weight also tends to lessen their reflective quality."