1. to reduce in force or intensity; to lessen
Usage: formal
2. to restrain or hold back
Usage: often in phrase ‘with bated breath’

Examples

• The storm began to bate as evening approached.
• She waited with bated breath for the test results.
• The medicine helped bate his fever.
• He spoke with bated breath, afraid to disturb the silence.
• The wind finally bated after hours of howling.
• They listened with bated breath to the announcement.