verb

subside

/səbˈsaɪd/ · say it: suh·SYDE

to become less intense; to die down

In Actions & Behavior

In more detail

1. (verb) to become less intense or strong; to decrease or calm down

2. (verb) to sink down or collapse inward

Examples

1. After the storm subsided, the rain stopped and the wind calmed down.
2. The old building subsided as the ground beneath it shifted.

How to use subside

Subside typically describes a gradual decrease or calming of something intense—anger, pain, noise, or physical phenomena like floods or earthquakes. It can also mean literal sinking or collapse of land. The word suggests a natural or inevitable process of weakening rather than forceful cessation, making it distinct from synonyms like 'stop' or 'cease'. It often appears in descriptions of events settling or emotions cooling.

Common phrases

anger subsides
pain subsides
waters subside
flood subsides
panic subsides
subside into

Synonyms

abate · diminish · wane · recede · settle

Opposites

intensify · escalate · rise

Word family

subsidence (noun) · subsiding (adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse subside with 'subsidize' (to provide financial support), which is entirely different in meaning and pronunciation.

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