Less″en (lĕs″'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.