Subside

/səbˈsaɪd/

Meaning & Definition

verb
to become less intense, violent, or severe.
The storm began to subside after several hours of heavy rain.
to sink or settle down.
The balloon will subside slowly as the air inside it cools down.
to diminish in intensity or become less severe.
After the argument, her anger slowly started to subside.
to yield or to give in.
He finally decided to subside to her wishes after a long debate.

Etymology

Middle English: from Latin 'subsidere', from 'sub-' meaning 'down' + 'sidere' meaning 'to sit'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

subside into silence
to become quiet or stop talking
let the storm subside
to wait for a chaotic situation to calm down
subside gradually
to decrease in intensity slowly

Related Words

subsidence
the gradual sinking of an area of land
subsidize
to support financially
subsist
to maintain or support oneself, especially at a minimal level

Slang Meanings

to chill or relax after being hyper
After the party, I just needed to subside and watch some TV.
to calm down from an emotional high
He was so excited after the news, but he managed to subside and think clearly.