dæmp ˈdæmpən diːˈɛskəleɪt ˈsæbətɑʒ ˈsɒfən ˈsɔfən səbˈvɜːt səbˈvɝt ʌndəˈmaɪn ˈwikən become weaker The prisoner's resistance weakened after seven days lessen the strength of The fever weakened his body reduce the level or intensity or size or scope of de-escalate a crisis lessen in force or effect soften a shock break a fall destroy property or hinder normal operations The Resistance sabotaged railroad operations during the war