Definition of the word subside

The word "subside" originated in the 15th century from the Latin "subsidiare," which means "to sit beneath" or "to lean upon." The Latin verb is derived from "sub," meaning "under" or "below," and "sidere," meaning "to sit." In English, the verb "subside" initially meant "to settle or fall back" or "to sink or become less prominent." Over time, its meaning expanded to include "to decrease in intensity or violence" (as in a storm or a crowd subsiding), "to weaken or fall away" (as in a disease subsiding), and "to undergo a reduction or contraction" (as in a market subsiding). Today, "subside" is used in various contexts to convey the idea of something decreasing, receding, or becoming less prominent.