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
Joy, who was eager now that the two men should stake, and fearing that they were slackening pace on account of her evident weariness, insisted on taking the lead.
From Smoke Bellew by Jack London
Thinking that the Prussians were slackening in their fire, Kellerman formed a column in charging order, and dashed down into the valley, in the hopes of capturing some of the nearest guns of the enemy.
From The Fifteen Decisive Battles of the World: from Marathon to Waterloo by Sir Edward Shepherd Creasy
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
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
