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

Despite those words, a relaxed Joshua and social media star Paul - usually known for his theatrics - exchanged pleasantries and kept it respectful with each other.

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In a letter explaining his actions, Judge Thornhill said his aim was "to add levity at times when I thought it would help relax litigants".

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Prior to the lockdown, she said ministers had relaxed measures "more quickly than scientists advised".

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Hot tubs and saunas are both known for helping tired muscles relax and providing comforting warmth.

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Fortunately, his North Carolina home is the perfect locale for a “semi” retirement, providing a relaxing and calm sanctuary that was designed to optimize lake views from nearly every room.

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Related Words

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