relax

[ ri-laks ]

/ rɪˈlæks /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR relax ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

to make less tense, rigid, or firm; make lax: to relax the muscles.

to diminish the force of.

to slacken or abate, as effort, attention, etc.

to make less strict or severe, as rules, discipline, etc.: to relax the requirements for a license.

to release or bring relief from the effects of tension, anxiety, etc.: A short swim always relaxes me.

verb (used without object)

to become less tense, rigid, or firm.

to become less strict or severe; grow milder.

to reduce or stop work, effort, application, etc., especially for the sake of rest or recreation.

to release oneself from inhibition, worry, tension, etc.

Nearby words

Origin of relax

1350–1400; Middle English relaxen < Latin relaxāre to stretch out again, loosen, equivalent to re- re- + laxāre to loosen, derivative of laxus slack, lax

SYNONYMS FOR relax

1, 6. loosen, slacken. 2. mitigate, weaken, lessen, reduce. 4. ease. 6. unbend. 7. relent, soften.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR relax ON THESAURUS.COM

ANTONYMS FOR relax

1, 6. tighten, tense.

SEE MORE ANTONYMS FOR relax ON THESAURUS.COM

Related formsre·lax·a·tive, re·lax·a·tory

[ri-lak-suh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] /rɪˈlæk səˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i/, adjectivere·lax·er, nouno·ver·re·lax, verbun·re·lax·ing, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for relaxing

The rest of the time he generally has staycations, relaxing at home.
Will There Soon Be Three Living Popes?|Barbie Latza Nadeau|August 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It also includes unique coping methods, such as voice-recorded mindfulness and relaxation exercises, or relaxing music.
10 Best Apps to Train Your Brain|DailyBurn|June 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Something in her wiring has taught her that relaxing her defenses is dangerous.
When An Adopted Child Won’t Attach|Tina Traster|May 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Instead of medicine, doctors prefer to treat their patients with a comforting chat in relaxing atmosphere.
Kiev’s Protestors Put on Uniforms|Anna Nemtsova|March 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST

He was reportedly chatting with the oligarch about relaxing E.U. aluminum tariffs.
Britain’s KGB Sugar Daddy|Michael Weiss|March 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In spite of his bantering tone the young inventor was pleased that his father was relaxing in a friendly game.
Tom Swift and His Giant Telescope|Victor Appleton
Alfred's fixed stare was relaxing and at last Jimmy could breathe.
Baby Mine|Margaret Mayo
The Delsarte relaxing exercises precede and prepare the way for-381- all others.
Social Life|Maud C. Cooke
Despair gave her strength; she clutched at the door; but she felt her strength failing her—her grasp was relaxing.
Rookwood|William Harrison Ainsworth
But if he is correct in his surmise, I am much beholden to the relaxing influences of the night.
The Morals of Marcus Ordeyne|William J. Locke

British Dictionary definitions for relaxing

relax

/ (rɪˈlæks) /

verb

to make (muscles, a grip, etc) less tense or rigid or (of muscles, a grip, etc) to become looser or less rigid

(intr) to take rest or recreation, as from work or efforton Sundays, she just relaxes; she relaxes by playing golf

to lessen the force of (effort, concentration, etc) or (of effort) to become diminished

to make (rules or discipline) less rigid or strict or (of rules, etc) to diminish in severity

(intr) (of a person) to become less formal; unbend

Derived Formsrelaxable, adjectiverelaxed, adjectiverelaxedly (rɪˈlæksɪdlɪ), adverb

Word Origin for relax

C15: from Latin relaxāre to loosen, from re- + laxāre to loosen, from laxus loose, lax

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for relaxing

relax

late 14c., "to make (something) less compact or dense," from Old French relaschier "set free; soften; reduce" (14c.), from Latin relaxare "relax, loosen, open, stretch out, widen again; make loose," from re- "back" (see re-) + laxare "loosen," from laxus "loose" (see lax). Of persons, "to become less formal," from 1837. Meaning "decrease tension" is from early 15c.; intransitive sense of "to become less tense" is recorded from 1935. Related: Relaxed; relaxing.

Medicine definitions for relaxing

relax

[ rĭ-lăks′ ]

v.

To make or become lax or loose.

To relieve or become relieved from tension or strain.

relax

verb (used with object)

verb (used without object)

RELATED CONTENT

RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of relax

Examples from the Web for relaxing

relax

verb

Word Origin for relax

relax

relax

v.