mitigation
noun
[ mɪtɪˈɡeɪʃ(ə)n ]
• the action of reducing the severity, seriousness, or painfulness of something.
• "the identification and mitigation of pollution"
Similar:
alleviation,
reduction,
diminution,
lessening,
easing,
weakening,
lightening,
assuagement,
palliation,
cushioning,
dulling,
deadening,
soothing,
softening,
relief,
Origin:
late Middle English: from Old French, or from Latin mitigatio(n- ), from the verb mitigare ‘alleviate’ (see mitigate).
in mitigation
• so as to make something, especially a crime, appear less serious and thus be punished more leniently.
• "in mitigation she said her client had been deeply depressed"