relax

[ri-laks]

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.

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

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

Synonyms for relax

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR relax ON THESAURUS.COM

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

Antonyms for relax

1, 6. tighten, tense.

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

Related Words for relaxing

unwind, recline, soften, calm, loosen, slow, reduce, ease, relieve, modify, lower, weaken, repose, rest, tranquilize, laze, unbend, unlax, mitigate, slack

Examples from the Web for relaxing

Contemporary Examples of 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
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
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
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
He was reportedly chatting with the oligarch about relaxing E.U. aluminum tariffs.
Britain’s KGB Sugar Daddy
Michael Weiss
March 7, 2014

Historical Examples of relaxing

He was tired and he'd looked forward to relaxing a while before the show.
The Second Voice
Mann Rubin
There was a dry tightness in his throat and he concentrated on relaxing his tension.
The Second Voice
Mann Rubin
Lingard, relaxing the tenseness of his stare, looked at the young man, thoughtfully.
The Rescue
Joseph Conrad
In our particular department the relaxing of authority was specially apparent.
Tom, Dick and Harry
Talbot Baines Reed
Was it possible that it was relaxing its grasp, releasing its prey?
Lavengro
George Borrow

British Dictionary definitions for relaxing

relax

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.

relaxing in Medicine

relax

[rĭ-lăks′]

v.

To make or become lax or loose.

To relieve or become relieved from tension or strain.