a·bate 
(ə-bāt)
(ə-bāt)v. a·bat·ed, a·bat·ing, a·bates
v.tr.
1. To reduce in amount, degree, or intensity; lessen: a program to abate air pollution.
2. Law
a. To put an end to: The court ordered that the nuisance of the wrecked vehicle in the front yard be abated.
b. To make void: The judge abated the lawsuit.
c. To reduce for some period of time: The town abated the taxes on buildings of historical importance for three years.
v.intr.
1. To fall off in degree or intensity; subside: waiting for the rain to abate. See Synonyms at decrease.
2. Law
a. To become void.
b. To become reduced for a period of time.
[Middle English abaten, from Old French abattre, to beat down : a-, to (from Latin ad-; see AD-) + batre, to beat; see BATTER1.]