lessen

LESS'EN, verb transitive les'n. [from less.] 1. To make less; to diminish; to reduce in bulk, size, quantity, number or amount; to make smaller; as, to lessen a kingdom or its population. 2. To diminish in degree, state of quality; as, awkward manners tend to lessen our respect for men of merit. 3. To degrade; to reduce in dignity. St. Paul chose to magnify his office, when ill men conspired to lessen it. LESS'EN, verb intransitive les'n. 1. To become less; to shrink; to contract in bulk, quantity, number or amount; to be diminished. The apparent magnitude of objects lessens as we recede from them. 2. To become less in degree, quality or intensity; to decrease. The strength of the body, and the vivacity of the temper usually lessen as we advance in age.