relaxation
Americannoun
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abatement or relief from bodily or mental work, effort, application, etc.
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an activity or recreation that provides such relief; diversion; entertainment.
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a loosening or slackening.
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diminution or remission of strictness or severity.
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Mathematics. a numerical procedure for solving systems of equations by successive approximations of the variables.
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Physics.
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the return of a system undergoing dissipation to an initial state of equilibrium after being displaced from it.
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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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noun
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rest or refreshment, as after work or effort; recreation
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a form of rest or recreation
his relaxation is cricket
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a partial lessening of a punishment, duty, etc
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the act of relaxing or state of being relaxed
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physics the return of a system to equilibrium after a displacement from this state
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maths a method by which errors resulting from an approximation are reduced by using new approximations
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of relaxation
1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin relaxātiōn- (stem of relaxātiō ), equivalent to relaxāt ( us ) (past participle of relaxāre to relax; see -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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Health officials covered in protective gear are seen disembarking the ship and plush lounges, usually a place for relaxation or late-night revelry, sit deserted.
From BBC • May 5, 2026
Rather, positive travel experiences may help the body and mind function better by combining novelty, relaxation, physical activity, and social connection.
From Science Daily • May 4, 2026
A 1940s folk painting by Clementine Hunter radiates relaxation, its central man unwinding with a drink, his feet kicked up on a stump.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026
The sessions, set in futuristic settings, promise stress reduction and relaxation.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026
Her ears flopped to the sides in relaxation.
From "A Boy Called Bat" by Elana K. Arnold
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
