lessen meaning and definition

LESSEN verb

Definition of lessen (verb)

1. decrease in size, extent, or range
   • "The amount of homework decreased towards the end of the semester"; "The cabin pressure fell dramatically"; "her weight fell to under a hundred pounds"; "his voice fell to a whisper"
   • synonyms: decrease, diminish, fall
   • antonym: increase
2. make smaller
   • "He decreased his staff"
   • synonyms: decrease, minify
   • antonym: increase
3. wear off or die down
   • "The pain subsided"
   • synonyms: subside