Meaning & Definition of word "Abatement"

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    Abatement

    /əˈbeɪtmənt/

    noun:

    • 1. The reduction or lessening of something, especially in terms of intensity or amount.
      • Example: The city implemented an abatement plan to reduce noise pollution.
    • 2. A legal term referring to the stopping or reduction of payment, particularly in relation to taxes or property values.
      • Example: The homeowner applied for a tax abatement to lessen the financial burden during renovations.
    • 3. The act of diminishing or decreasing; a decrease in the degree, amount, intensity, or value.
      • Example: The abatement of her anxiety was evident after she practiced her speech several times.
    • 4. In environmental terms, actions undertaken to reduce or eliminate nuisances or pollutants.
      • Example: The abatement of hazardous waste is crucial for protecting community health.
    • 5. A decrease in the severity or seriousness of a condition.
      • Example: After starting the medication, she experienced an abatement of her chronic pain.

    Etymology

    Middle English, from Old French 'abater', meaning 'to cause to fall, diminish'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    tax abatement:

    A reduction in the amount of tax that must be paid.

    abatement order:

    A directive to reduce or eliminate a certain issue or nuisance.

    abatement of nuisance:

    The legal removal or reduction of something deemed harmful or annoying.

    Related Words

    mitigation:

    The action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.

    alleviation:

    The act of making a problem, such as pain or hardship, less severe.

    diminution:

    A reduction in the size, extent, or importance of something.

    Slang Meanings of abatement