What does BATED mean?

**bated** 1. Part of Speech: adjective 2. Definition: (of breath) held in or restrained; very tense or anxious; reduced or lessened in force or intensity 3. Pronunciations: US: /ˈbeɪtəd/, UK: /ˈbeɪtɪd/ 4. Origin and Usage: The word "bated" is a shortened form of "abated," which means to reduce or lessen in force or intensity. It has been in use since the 16th century and is commonly used in English literature and poetry. The word is often used in the phrase "with bated breath," which means to be very tense or anxious. 5. Synonyms: restrained, subdued, diminished, lessened, reduced 6. Related Words: abate, betta, tabet 7. Example Sentences: - She waited with bated breath for the results of the election. - The audience sat in silence, their excitement barely bated. - His enthusiasm was bated by the news that the project was canceled.