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

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

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

Life, I mean,” he says, relaxing back into the couch.

From Salon

The picturesque sunrises and sunsets create a calm, relaxing vibe.

From Los Angeles Times

It allowed boss Unai Emery to relax after victory and assert with confidence that Watkins will end his drought.

From BBC

The pair also appealed directly to the Bank to relax its approach to cryptocurrencies, accusing it of holding back innovation.

From BBC

And in a striking image, he claimed Farage would relax British gun laws, forcing schools to teach children "what to do in case of a mass shooting".

From BBC

Related Words

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