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,” see 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

Roberts, meanwhile, was also critical of the government's decision to relax licensing laws during the tournament, saying it was "probably unnecessary and does increase the risk to some degree."

From BBC • May 21, 2026

Outside the property is just as luxurious, with numerous entertaining areas spread around the grounds, as well as a stunning swimming pool and spa that provides the perfect place to relax.

From MarketWatch • May 18, 2026

Nitric oxide helps blood vessels relax and expand, an important part of healthy circulation and cardiovascular function.

From Science Daily • May 17, 2026

“When you have great coverage, you can relax a little bit. That’s what it feels like now, there’s so many people paddling in the boat with me.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 8, 2026

Yes, people came to Pittsburgh not to relax but to work.

From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland

Related Words

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