·vi To become less; to Shrink; to Contract; to Decrease; to be diminished; as, the apparent magnitude of objects lessens as we recede from them; his care, or his wealth, lessened.
II. Lessen ·adj 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.