relaxation

American  

[ree-lak-sey-shuhn] / ˌri lækˈseɪ ʃən /

noun

1. abatement or relief from bodily or mental work, effort, application, etc.

2. an activity or recreation that provides such relief; diversion; entertainment.

   Synonyms:

   pleasure, amusement, fun

3. a loosening or slackening.

4. diminution or remission of strictness or severity.

5. Mathematics. a numerical procedure for solving systems of equations by successive approximations of the variables.

6. Physics.

   1. the return of a system undergoing dissipation to an initial state of equilibrium after being displaced from it.

   2. the approach to steady-state operation of a system that has undergone dissipation and a change in state or has been subjected to an abrupt periodic disturbance.

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relaxation British  

/ ˌriːlækˈseɪʃən /

noun

1. rest or refreshment, as after work or effort; recreation

2. a form of rest or recreation

   his relaxation is cricket

3. a partial lessening of a punishment, duty, etc

4. the act of relaxing or state of being relaxed

5. physics the return of a system to equilibrium after a displacement from this state

6. maths a method by which errors resulting from an approximation are reduced by using new approximations

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Other Word Forms

• nonrelaxation noun

Etymology

Origin of relaxation

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin relaxātiōn- (stem of relaxātiō ), equivalent to relaxāt ( us ) (past participle of relaxāre to relax; -ate ¹ ) + -iōn- -ion

Explanation

The noun relaxation describes the act of making something less strict. If your boss announces a relaxation of the company dress code, that means lots of happy people will be wearing jeans to work. Relaxation carries many shades of meaning. It can describe being free from responsibility, like a relaxation of your usual obligations that comes while you're on vacation. The feeling of rest and peacefulness that can come from this freedom is also called relaxation. It comes from Latin: re- means "again," laxare means "loosen," and the suffix -ation means "the state of." So relaxation is the state of loosening something again.

Example Sentences

The sessions, set in futuristic settings, promise stress reduction and relaxation.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

Other highlights of the grounds include a 80-foot lap pool, designed for those “who truly appreciate swimming as a daily ritual,” as well as plenty of space for outdoor dining and relaxation areas.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

For example, subtle scents that cue feelings of relaxation or trust, atomized into an establishment, might cue visitors to stay longer and shop or purchase more, or associate the brand with a sense of well-being.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

Under a relaxation of the rules announced last year, some drivers may be granted an exemption to continue for a third season if it is thought to be beneficial for their development.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

I thought about stretching out on the bed, but I remembered Daisy Mae was outside and part of the relaxation was having her curl up beside me.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam

Related Words

• enjoyment
• leisure
• loosening
• mitigation
• pleasure
• recreation
• relief