We had to wait for the waters to ____, or lessen, before we could cross the intersection after the cloudburst.

verb

1. To decrease in force or intensity

   "waiting for the storm to abate"

2. To become defeated or become null or void (as of a writ or appeal)
3. To decrease in amount or value

   "The legacies abated proportionately."

4. To put an end to

   "abate a nuisance"

5. Nullify

   "abate a writ"

6. To reduce in degree or intensity moderate

   "may abate their rancor to win peace"

7. To reduce in value or amount to make less especially by way of relief

   "abate a tax"

8. Deduct, omit

   "abate part of the price"

9. To beat down or cut away so as to leave a figure in relief
10. Blunt
11. Deprive