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

Example Sentences

He added that there had also been a steady rise in the number of journeys each year since the relaxation of Covid restrictions.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

Instead, Nguyen captures moments of levity, relaxation and cooperation within BTS.

From Salon • Mar. 27, 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

Americans who thought spring break would offer rest and relaxation after a tough winter may be in for a rude awakening.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 9, 2026

The game was a blowout, but his sense of concentration was still riveted, still totally focused, no time for letup, no time for relaxation.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger

Related Words

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