Pronunciation: [ɐbˈe͡ɪtɪd] (IPA) 
The word "abated" is pronounced as /əˈbeɪtɪd/. It means to become less intense or to reduce in amount. The word is spelled with "a" and "b" as its first letters followed by "a", "t", "e", and "d". The "a" in the word is pronounced as a schwa sound represented by ə, while the "e" is pronounced as /eɪ/ like the "ay" in "way". The "b" is pronounced as /b/, the "t" as /t/, and the "d" as /d/.
Abated is a verb that refers to the act of reducing, lessening, or diminishing something, commonly used to describe the decrease in intensity, amount, or force of a particular condition, situation, or action. When something is abated, it typically becomes less severe, intense, or noticeable.
The term is frequently used in legal contexts, such as abating a nuisance or an illegal activity, where the aim is to stop or reduce the harmful effects or presence of something. For instance, if there is a noisy construction site near residential areas, the local authorities might take measures to abate the noise pollution, such as imposing restrictions or erecting sound barriers.
Additionally, abated can also describe the diminishing or termination of a legal claim or charge, as in "the lawsuit was abated due to lack of evidence." In this case, it means that the legal action was stopped or dismissed.
Outside of legal jargon, abated can also be used in general circumstances. For example, if the intensity of a storm or rainfall becomes less severe, it can be said that the weather abated. Similarly, if the symptoms of an illness become less severe or subside, one might say that the illness has abated.
Overall, the term abated refers to the reduction or lessening of something, whether it be the intensity of a condition, the impact of a problem, or the force of an action.
The word "abated" is derived from the Middle English term "abaten", which traces back to the Old French word "abattre". In Old French, "abattre" meant "to beat down" or "to cast down". This root ultimately comes from the Latin word "ad battuere", where "ad" denotes "to" and "battuere" means "to beat". Over time, the meaning of "abate" has evolved and now generally refers to something becoming less intense, diminishing, or declining.
