Translation

抑える / 弱める / 息をひそめる

Meaning

Bate is a rare verb meaning to hold back, lessen, or restrain. Modern learners mostly meet it in bated breath, meaning waiting with breath held from anxiety or excitement. Do not spell this phrase as baited breath.

Examples

• 私たちは息をひそめて判決を待ちました。
  We waited for the verdict with bated breath.
• その語 bate は普通の会話ではほとんど使われません。
  The word bate is rarely used in ordinary conversation.