Definition of "lessen" in English

verb

1. (transitive) To make less; to diminish; to reduce.

   • a. 1686, Benjamin Calamy, a sermon Charity […] shall lessen his punishment.
   • December 6, 1709, Francis Atterbury, a sermon preach'd before the sons of the clergy at their anniversary-meeting in the Church of St. Paul St. Paul chose to magnify his office when ill men conspired to lessen it.

2. (intransitive) To become less.

conjunction

1. (nonstandard, dialect) unless.