abatement

[ uh-beyt-muhnt ]

noun

1. the act or state of abating or the state of being abated; reduction; decrease; alleviation; mitigation.

   Synonyms: diminution, letup

   Antonyms: intensification, increase

2. suppression or termination:

   abatement of a nuisance; noise abatement.

   Synonyms: cessation, end

3. an amount deducted or subtracted, as from the usual price or the full tax.
4. Law.
   1. a reduction of a tax assessment.
   2. the termination of a nuisance.
   3. a wrongful entry on land made by a stranger, after the owner's death and before the owner's heir or devisee has obtained possession.
   4. a decrease in the legacies of a will when the assets of an estate are insufficient to pay all general legacies in full.
5. Also called rebatement. Heraldry. a charge or mark that, when introduced into a coat of arms, indicates the owner's disgrace.

Word History and Origins

Origin of abatement¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English, from Middle French; equivalent to abate + -ment

Example Sentences

Multiple government agencies displaced and evicted Section 14 residents over at least five major abatement campaigns between 1936 and 1965, with the city’s direct involvement beginning in 1948, according to the historical study.

From Los Angeles Times

The settlement agreement calls for the company to pay $1.2 billion to state and local governments and $36 million to Native American tribes for abatement programs, in addition to roughly $177 million for attorneys’ fees and court costs.

From Los Angeles Times

That law limits rent increases and gives renters some protections against no-fault evictions but allows tenants to be evicted for substantial remodels, which are defined as “the replacement or substantial modification of any structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical system that requires a permit from a governmental agency” or the abatement of hazardous materials.

From Los Angeles Times

She has also funded a trash abatement team and has plans to establish two teams of peace ambassadors whose job will be to reduce tension and gang violence.

From Los Angeles Times

Last year, the Office of Community Beautification, which operates a graffiti abatement program for the city, spent about $11 million to cover up roughly 32 million square feet of graffiti.

From Los Angeles Times