When something subsides, it gradually becomes less intense, less active, or less noticeable. Think of a storm that rages for hours with howling winds and pounding rain, then slowly calms until only a light drizzle remains.

The storm hasn't vanished instantly, but its power and fury have subsided.

Strong emotions can subside too. After losing a championship game, a player's disappointment might feel overwhelming at first, but over days and weeks, those painful feelings subside and become easier to bear. Anger, excitement, and fear can all subside as time passes.

Physical things subside as well. Floodwaters subside when they gradually drain away and return to normal levels. Swelling from a sprained ankle subsides as healing progresses. When a fever subsides, a sick person's temperature drops back toward normal.

The word carries a sense of patience and natural rhythm. Things that subside do not stop abruptly. They ease, settle, and diminish on their own schedule. When a teacher waits for classroom chatter to subside before speaking, she's letting the noise naturally quiet down rather than demanding instant silence.