fade away; restrain oneself; contract (medical)
Meanings
3 senses · 9 examplesverb
(of a smile, light, etc.) to fade away; to diminish; to die down
neutralDescribes something becoming less obvious or intense until it disappears, often spontaneously.
Hearing the bad news, the smile on her face instantly faded.
The setting sun faded its last ray of light, plunging the earth into darkness.
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His hearty laughter gradually died down, and his expression turned serious.
Definition
to restrain oneself; to become less arrogant or wild; to tone down
formalRefers to controlling one's previously unrestrained, arrogant, or inappropriate behavior.
After being criticized by the teacher, his arrogant attitude toned down somewhat.
As he aged, he restrained a lot of the impulsiveness he had in his youth.
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Please restrain your bad temper in public.
verb
(in medicine) to constrict; to astringe; to cause tissue to contract or gland secretions to reduce
technicalA technical term used in medicine and pharmacology, often describing the effect of astringents.
This ointment has an astringent effect and can reduce skin redness and swelling.
The doctor prescribed me some astringents to treat diarrhea.
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Alum water has a very good astringent and hemostatic effect.