verb
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to make or become looser
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to make or become slower, less intense, etc
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of slacken
Explanation
To slacken is to loosen the tension on or tightness of something. If you slacken the clothesline any more, the clothes will be on the ground next time you hang out the wash. Slacken, in the "to loosen" sense, can also be used figuratively. Because you have been so responsible, we're going to slacken the rules about curfew on non-school nights and let you stay out an hour later. Slacken also means to slow down or make less active. If you are in a sprint race, you won't want to slacken your pace until after you cross the finish line or you might not win.
Vocabulary lists containing slacken
"All Summer in a Day" by Ray Bradbury
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Excerpt from "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer"
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Flush
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Slacken the texture with lemon juice to make a sharp yet silky sauce for the burgers, which doubles as dressing for the tomatoes.
From The Guardian • May 21, 2019
Slacken tent ropes a little, especially where they are new.
From The Boy Scout Treasure Hunters The Lost Treasure of Buffalo Hollow by Wrenn, Charles L. (Charles Lewis)
Slacken your speed as you come to the crossings.
From Around The Tea-Table by Talmage, T. De Witt (Thomas De Witt)
Slacken not your hold of my L. Treasurer, for I have been told that you are in his care.
From Letters to Severall Persons of Honour by Donne, John
Slacken the escape valves, and open the drain cocks of the cylinders and receivers, and steam will blow through the H.P. cylinder escape valve and drain cock at once.
From Modern Machine-Shop Practice, Volumes I and II by Rose, Joshua
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
