The term 'make less intense' can be expressed in a variety of ways. ABATE (5 letters) means to reduce in intensity or degree, DEADEN (6 letters) means to make less intense or active, SLAKE (5 letters) means to make less intense or severe, BATE (4 letters) means to reduce in force or intensity, ASSUAGED (8 letters) means to make less intense or severe, and tonedown (8 letters) means to make less intense or extreme. All of these words refer to the idea of making something less intense or severe.