relax

[ri-laks]

verb (used with object)

1. to make less tense, rigid, or firm; make lax.

   to relax the muscles.

   Synonyms: slacken, loosen
   Antonyms: tense, tighten

2. to diminish the force of.

   Synonyms: reduce, lessen, weaken, mitigate

3. to slacken or abate, as effort, attention, etc.

4. to make less strict or severe, as rules, discipline, etc..

   to relax the requirements for a license.

   Synonyms: ease

5. to release or bring relief from the effects of tension, anxiety, etc..

   A short swim always relaxes me.

verb (used without object)

1. to become less tense, rigid, or firm.

   Synonyms: unbend, slacken, loosen
   Antonyms: tense, tighten

2. to become less strict or severe; grow milder.

   Synonyms: soften, relent

3. to reduce or stop work, effort, application, etc., especially for the sake of rest or recreation.

4. to release oneself from inhibition, worry, tension, etc.

relax

/ rɪˈlæks, rɪˈlæksɪdlɪ /

verb

1. to make (muscles, a grip, etc) less tense or rigid or (of muscles, a grip, etc) to become looser or less rigid

2. (intr) to take rest or recreation, as from work or effort

   on Sundays, she just relaxes

   she relaxes by playing golf

3. to lessen the force of (effort, concentration, etc) or (of effort) to become diminished

4. to make (rules or discipline) less rigid or strict or (of rules, etc) to diminish in severity

5. (intr) (of a person) to become less formal; unbend

Other Word Forms

• relaxative adjective
• relaxatory adjective
• relaxer noun
• overrelax verb
• unrelaxing adjective
• relaxed adjective
• relaxable adjective
• relaxedly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of relax¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English relaxen, from Latin relaxāre “to stretch out again, loosen,” equivalent to re- re- ( def. ) + laxāre “to loosen,” derivative of laxus “loose, spacious, wide,” lax ¹ ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of relax¹

C15: from Latin relaxāre to loosen, from _re- + laxāre to loosen, from laxus loose, _lax

Example Sentences

"So we've never been fully relaxed, we've always been on our guard and now it's happened and it's just very surreal."

From BBC

He relaxed strict dress codes for agents, recruited female agents and pointedly hired people from outside the agency – who were not indoctrinated in the Hoover culture – for administrative posts.

From Salon

Sciver-Brunt's demeanour around the press is relaxed but with a steely edge while Edwards has a quiet determination.

From BBC

William just seems more relaxed in that space, and talks more freely.

From BBC

It's an informal setting where the Prince seems relaxed especially when talking about his family and how his children coped when their mother was unwell.

From BBC

Related Words

• ease 
• loosen 
• lower 
• modify 
• reduce 
• relieve 
• slow 
• weaken