abatement

1. Commerce: Reduction in the amount of a bill or charge such as demurrage, overtime penalty, or rent.

2. Environment: Elimination or reduction of polluting or hazardous substances (such as asbestos) by either removing them completely or lessening their effect through better waste management.

3. Legal: Suspension of a court action, or bringing it to a close before the final decision.

4. Taxation: Rebate given in levies or taxes under special circumstances, such as in aftermath of natural disasters.