bate1 (b!t), v., bat·ed, bat·ing. –v.t. 1. to moderate or restrain: unable to bate our enthusiasm. 2. to lessen or diminish; abate: setbacks that bated his hopes. –v.i. 3. to diminish or subside; abate. 4. with bated breath, with breath drawn in or held because of anticipation or suspense: We watched with bated breath as the runners approached the finish line.