'abate' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'abatre,' where 'a-' meant 'to' and 'batre' meant 'beat.'

'abatre' transformed into the Middle English word 'abaten,' and eventually became the modern English word 'abate.'

Initially, it meant 'to beat down or reduce,' and over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to lessen or diminish.'