MOD'ERATE, adjective [Latin moderatus, from moderor, to limit, from modus, a limit.]

1. Literally, limited; restrained; hence, temperate; observing reasonable bounds in indulgence; as moderate in eating or drinking, or in other gratifications.

2. Limited in quantity; not excessive or expensive. He keeps a moderate table.

3. Restrained in passion, ardor or temper; not violent; as moderate men of both parties.

4. Not extreme in opinion; as a moderate Calvinist or Lutheran.

5. Placed between extremes; holding the mean or middle place; as reformation of a moderate kind.

6. Temperate; not extreme, violent or rigorous; as moderate weather; a moderate winter; moderate heat; a moderate breeze of wind.

7. Of a middle rate; as men of moderate abilities.

8. Not swift; as a moderate walk.

MOD'ERATE, verb transitive To restrain from excess of any kind; to reduce from a state of violence; to lessen; to allay; to repress; as, to moderate rage, action, desires, etc.; to moderate heat or wind.

1. To temper; to make temperate; to qualify.

By its astringent quality, it moderates the relaxing quality of warm water.

MOD'ERATE, verb intransitive To become less violent, severe, rigorous or intense. The cold or winter usually moderates in March; the heat of summer moderates in September.