German word

nachlassen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈnaːxˌlasən/

Meaning

  • verbease

Example

Das Fieber lässt endlich nach.

The fever is finally easing.

Illustration for nachlassen (ease)

More examples

Nach dem Gewitter lässt der Wind langsam nach.

After the thunderstorm, the wind slowly subsides.

Core concept

A pressure or force slowly loosens its grip, leaving less impact.

Common phrases

  • die Schmerzen lassen nach

    The pain eases

  • das Interesse lässt nach

    interest wanes

  • der Druck lässt nach

    Pressure subsides

Similar words

abklingen: Slowly fade until symptoms or sounds have mostly subsided.
abflauen: Slowly lose force and settle, especially of wind, waves, or feelings.
abnehmen: Become gradually smaller in amount or degree.
abschwächen: Lose some of its strength or effectiveness.

Definition in German

Allmählich schwächer werden; an Kraft, Wirkung oder Intensität verlieren.

Word origin

The separable verb "nachlassen" combines "nach" in the sense of back or away with "lassen", originally meaning to let or leave, and thus came to mean letting up.

Usage tips

  • In a main clause, the prefix separates, as in "Das Fieber lässt nach", while the infinitive and participle remain together: "nachlassen" and "nachgelassen".

Other meanings

  • weakenverb
  • subsideverb

Opposites

Related words

  • Nachlassenlesseningnoun
  • nachgelassenweakenedadjective

Word lists with this word