abzuschwächen

Abzuschwächen is a German verb meaning to reduce, attenuate, or soften the strength or impact of something. It is used when effects, claims, measures, or risks are being made less intense or less problematic rather than eliminated entirely. The term is common in political, legal, scientific, and media contexts, as well as in everyday language when signaling a milder emphasis or weaker consequences.

Etymology and form: abzuschwächen is formed from the verb schwächen (to weaken) with the separable prefix ab-. The infinitive is abzuschwächen, and the past participle is abgeschwächt. In finite clauses the prefix is separated: Wir schwächen die Wirkung ab. In constructions with modal verbs or after other elements, the prefix may appear at the end: Wir sollten die Wirkung abschwächen.

Usage and nuance: abzuschwächen conveys the idea of a deliberate reduction rather than a complete removal. It is often contrasted with abschaffen (to abolish) or abschwächen in the sense of “soften, mitigate, or dampen.” Typical objects include Wirkung, Nebenwirkungen, Risiken, Kritik, oder Forderungen. Synonyms include mildern, abmildern, and abschwächen, though each has its own nuance.

Examples:

- Die Regierung will die Nebenwirkungen des Medikaments abzuschwächen.

- Man versucht, die Kritik abzuschwächen, indem man zusätzliche Informationen bereitstellt.

- Um die Risiken abzuschwächen, wurden neue Sicherheitsmaßnahmen eingeführt.

See also: abschwächen, mildern, abmildern.