Search results
Learn the meaning and usage of lessen and weaken, two verbs that are related but not synonymous. Lessen means to make less or to diminish, while weaken means to make weaker or to reduce strength.
Learn the meaning of weaken, a verb that means to make weak or lessen the strength of something or someone. Find synonyms, antonyms, example sentences, word history, and related words for weaken.
To lessen is to make smaller, to reduce, or to weaken. A high school football coach might try to lessen head injuries by improving the quality of the team's helmets. If your cold symptoms lessen, it means you're sneezing and coughing much less and can probably go to school.
To weaken is to become less powerful or strong. When a storm weakens, the wind dies down and the torrential rain becomes a light drizzle.
Synonyms for LESSEN: reduce, decrease, diminish, minimize, deplete, lower, ease, abate; Antonyms of LESSEN: increase, expand, augment, raise, enlarge, amplify, boost, escalate.
to make something smaller, less noticeable, etc., or to become smaller, less noticeable, etc.: Corporate executives are keen to embrace " green technology " in order to lessen their dependence on fossil fuels. Increasing security procedures is the only way to lessen the risks of air travel.
to (cause to) become less strong, powerful, determined, or effective: You could see the poor dog weakening daily as the disease spread through its body. The bill would seriously weaken environmental protections. We know that prolonged exposure to vibration can weaken aircraft components.
