mitigate

Verb
  1. Lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of (synset 200907990)
    "The circumstances extenuate the crime"
    referred to in: jurisprudence, law - the collection of rules imposed by authority
    is a type of: apologise, apologize, excuse, rationalise, rationalize - defend, explain, clear away, or make excuses for by reasoning
    same as: extenuate, palliate
  2. Make less severe or harsh (synset 200199225)
    "mitigating circumstances"
    is a type of: decrease, lessen, minify - make smaller
    subtypes: lighten, relieve - alleviate or remove (pressure or stress) or make less oppressive

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