English

Verb

quieten down

1. (intransitive, Britain) To become quieter

   As the lights dimmed the general noise quietened down.

2. (intransitive, Britain) To reduce intensity of an activity.

   Diplomacy can only begin when the violence quietens down.

3. (transitive, Britain) To make someone or something become quieter.

   The teacher did her best to quieten the children down.

See also

• quiet down which is preferred usage in US.