Attenuating means reducing the amplitude (the level or volume) of a signal.

Attenuating is the opposite of amplifying. Instead of increasing the strength of a signal, you decrease it. It is the act of "lowering the volume" of an electrical signal or a specific frequency range.

The amount of attenuation is usually measured in negative decibels (dB).

For example: A -6 dB cut on an equalizer means you are attenuating that frequency, reducing its amplitude by half. Lowering a fader on a mixing console is attenuating the channel level. A "Pad" control on a preamplifier attenuates the input signal (usually by -10 dB or -20 dB) to prevent it from distorting the circuit.