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definitions

slacken

[slak-uhn]
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verb (used with or without object)
  1. to make or become less active, vigorous, intense, etc.
  2. to make or become looser or less taut.

Origin of slacken

First recorded in 1570–80; slack1 + -en1
Related formsun·slack·ened, adjectiveun·slack·en·ing, adjective

Synonyms for slacken

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1, 2. relax, loosen, slack, abate.

Antonyms for slacken

2. tighten, tense.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for slackened

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

Examples from the Web for slackened

Historical Examples of slackened

  • To the bewilderment of the Leopard Woman the pace of the safari now slackened.

    The Leopard Woman

    Stewart Edward White

  • But Philip slackened not his pace; he began to distance his pursuers.

    Night and Morning, Complete

    Edward Bulwer-Lytton

  • Stanley's jaw dropped, but it was surprise which slackened the muscles.

    Good Indian

    B. M. Bower

  • That moment Turkey slackened his pace, and burst into a fit of laughter.

  • As soon as he felt himself under cover he slackened his pace.

British Dictionary definitions for slackened

slacken

verb (often foll by off)
  1. to make or become looser
  2. 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 slackened

slacken

v.

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

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper