relax

American  

[ri-laks] / rɪˈlæks /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of relax

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. )

Explanation

Relax is a verb that describes feeling less stressed out or tense. If you want to relax after a crazy day at school, you might watch TV, take a nap, or do yoga to help you unwind. Relax can also refer to behavior that grows less formal or restrained, like a beach wedding where the bride and groom relax the usually formal ceremony by wearing casual clothing. Relax can also mean to become less tight. When you relax your grip on a pen, your hold loosens up. Relax can also refer to something that becomes less severe or strict. If your teacher would relax the attendance rules, you wouldn't keep getting in trouble for skipping class!

Example Sentences

As Gemini’s conversation with Gavalas became less tethered to reality, the bot’s safeguards appeared to relax, and it reinforced Gavalas’s belief that they had merged into a single entity.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

Consumers have cut back spending—thanks to higher prices, and a shift toward healthier habits and alternative ways to relax and socialize.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

Between daily longhorn cattle drives, rodeos, live music, and plenty of low-key ways to relax, there’s always something going on.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

Ahead of retiring the force said her eye had been removed "so she can enjoy the sun on her face without any irritation, sunglasses or masks - she can simply relax and enjoy herself".

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

They’d find a comfortable place to relax, and once they’d recovered their strength, they’d continue on their way.

From "The Wild Robot Protects" by Peter Brown

Related Words

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