Crossword Genius

Seabat flies and recedes (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

abates

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'recedes' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are verbs in their -s form, I cannot see how they can define each other.

'seabat flies' is the wordplay.
'flies' is an anagram indicator.
'seabat' anagrammed gives 'ABATES'.

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for abates that I've seen before include "'Lets up, dies away (6)'" , "moderates" , "Becomes less intense" , "Subsides" , "Goes down like storm" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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