Lessen \Less"en\ (l[e^]s"'n), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Lessened (-'nd); p. pr. & vb. n. Lessening.]

[From Less, a.]

To make less; to reduce; to make smaller, or fewer; to diminish; to lower; to degrade; as, to lessen a kingdom, or a population; to lessen speed, rank, fortune.

Charity . . . shall lessen his punishment. --Calamy.

St. Paul chose to magnify his office when ill men conspired to lessen it. --Atterbury.

Syn: To diminish; reduce; abate; decrease; lower; impair; weaken; degrade.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)