Abatement is generally defined as the act of eliminating or nullifying; or the suspension or defeat of a pending action for a reason unrelated to the merits of the claim[i]. Abatement is often discussed in the context of reducing or removing of something that has been found to be a nuisance or a problem.  For example, ‘asbestos abatement’ refers to the removal of asbestos from materials that humans may be exposed to.  In a different context, ‘tax abatement’ or ‘rent abatement’ refers to reduction in tax or rent.

[i] Black’s Law Dictionary, Seventh Edition