lessening

"You must do your homework before you can watch television."

"Before the big exam, Maria felt a strong anxiety about failing. "

"The heavy rain diminished the size of the garden flowers. "

"Children grow quickly."

"One research team has recorded Baishui’s decrease at about 27 meters per year over the last 10 years."

"The new recruit was a strong and effective soldier, ready for basic training. "

"The reduction in homework assignments allowed students more free time. "

"to allow a servant his liberty;  to allow a free passage;  to allow one day for rest"

"I could hear the breath of the runner behind me."

"Construction is underway on the new bridge."

"My terrible headache kept me from concentrating on my math homework. "

"to reduce weight, speed, heat, expenses, price, personnel etc."