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definitions

slacken

[ slak-uhn ]
/ ˈslæk ən /
||
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verb (used with or without object)

to make or become less active, vigorous, intense, etc.
to make or become looser or less taut.

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RELATED WORDS

loosen, subside, sag, mitigate, soften, retard, relent, abate, diminish, weaken, slow, slack, relax, ease, loose, reduce, remit, flag, slake, moderate

Nearby words

  1. slack suit,
  2. slack water,
  3. slack-baked,
  4. slack-jawed,
  5. slack-key,
  6. slacker,
  7. slackly,
  8. slackness,
  9. slacks,
  10. slacktivism

Origin of slacken

First recorded in 1570–80; slack1 + -en1
Related formsun·slack·ened, adjectiveun·slack·en·ing, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for slacken

British Dictionary definitions for slacken

slacken

/ (ˈslækən) /

verb (often foll by off)

to make or become looser
to make or become slower, less intense, etc
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 slacken

slacken

v.

early 15c., from slack (adj.) + -en (1). Related: Slackened; slackening.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper