slacken
verb (used with or without object)
to make or become less active, vigorous, intense, etc.
were slackening
-
past progressiveof slacken.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
There, in paintings and writings and on grand estates, the Enlightenment’s strict geometries were slackening.
From New York Times ● Jun. 3, 2010
But it was soon evident that they were slackening speed, and the trumpet rang out again, but with an uncertain sound, for it was nearly drowned by the angry yelling which arose.
From In Honour's Cause A Tale of the Days of George the First by Lancelot Speed
His horsemen outstripped the elephants, which were slackening their speed; and all the horses, stretching out their unbridled heads, galloped at so furious a rate that their bellies seemed to graze the earth.
From Salammbo by Gustave Flaubert
Most of its money-mills were slackening sail, or had left off grinding for the day.
From Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens
I set a lever at work on each side; at the same time that the men in the boat were pulling, others were slackening the ropes, and others shifting the rollers as the Colossus advanced.
From How to See the British Museum in Four Visits by W. Blanchard Jerrold
