Subsides

Subsides is the third-person singular present tense of the verb subside. To subside means to become less intense, active, or widespread; to fall back to a lower level or to settle down after movement or upheaval.

Common uses describe changes over time in various contexts. For example, floodwaters may subside after a storm, tensions in a dispute may subside, or a loud noise may subside to a quiet level. The term is often used with time phrases such as “after a while,” “overnight,” or “as weather conditions improve.” In addition, physical or emotional states can subside, such as swelling decreasing or fear easing.

Related terms and distinctions. Subsidence is the noun form referring to the process of sinking, settling, or downward movement, especially of land or structures. Subsidy is a different noun meaning a government payment or financial support for activities or industries. These words are often confused with subside due to similar spelling, but they have distinct meanings. Subsidiary is another related word but describes a company that is controlled by another entity; it is not semantically connected to the verb subside.

Origin. The verb subside originates from Latin subsidēre, with the sense of settling down or sinking back. In English, subside is used as an intransitive verb, generally taking no direct object.