noun

mitigation

mit-ih-GAY-shun/ˌmɪtɪˈɡeɪʃn/

The act of making something less harmful or severe.

The barriers and vegetation slow runoff as part of flood mitigation.

A row of planted vegetation and small barriers slowing muddy runoff before it reaches a home, visible reduction of harmful flow, no labels.

Etymology

mitLatingentle, soft

+igLatinto do, perform

+ationLatinact or process

The roots express making something mild, and the ending names that action. The underlying verb's senses of softening and soothing explain mitigation as reducing the harshness of pain, sorrow, or other harm.

In context

The Reflective Prof11:02

mitigation says that in the plaintiff in the person who has suffered a loss has a duty to take to take reasonable steps to minimize the losses arising from the tort

Torts Intro. and Intentional Torts - Part B (Vicarious liability, Remedies, Liability insurance)

More examples

The safety plan includes risk mitigation for every stage of construction.
Noise mitigation helps protect workers from hearing damage.
The lawyer offers evidence in mitigation of her client's punishment.

Forms

mitigation

mitigate verb — To make something less harmful or severe.

Similar words

alleviation: Focuses on easing suffering or discomfort rather than broader harm.
reduction: Means making something smaller, not necessarily less harmful.