Had to check what is BATE in the dictionary. - verb (used with object) 1. to moderate or restrain: unable to bate our enthusiasm. 2. to lessen or diminish; abate: setbacks that bated his hopes. - verb (used without object) 3. to diminish or subside; abate. -Idiom 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. --- BATH