To make or become smaller in size, amount, degree, or intensity; to reduce or diminish something.
Formed by adding the suffix '-en' to 'less', following the common English pattern of creating verbs from adjectives. The word 'less' comes from Old English 'laes' meaning 'smaller' or 'fewer', ultimately from a Germanic root meaning 'small'.
Lessen is perfectly symmetrical with 'strengthen', 'heighten', and similar verbs - English loves this pattern of adding '-en' to adjectives to mean 'make more [adjective]'! It's like having a magic suffix that turns descriptions into actions.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.