relax

[ri-laks]

verb (used with object)

1. to make less tense, rigid, or firm; make lax.

   to relax the muscles.

   Synonyms: slacken, loosen
   Antonyms: tense, tighten

2. to diminish the force of.

   Synonyms: reduce, lessen, weaken, mitigate

3. to slacken or abate, as effort, attention, etc.

4. to make less strict or severe, as rules, discipline, etc..

   to relax the requirements for a license.

   Synonyms: ease

5. to release or bring relief from the effects of tension, anxiety, etc..

   A short swim always relaxes me.

verb (used without object)

1. to become less tense, rigid, or firm.

   Synonyms: unbend, slacken, loosen
   Antonyms: tense, tighten

2. to become less strict or severe; grow milder.

   Synonyms: soften, relent

3. to reduce or stop work, effort, application, etc., especially for the sake of rest or recreation.

4. to release oneself from inhibition, worry, tension, etc.

relax

/ rɪˈlæks, rɪˈlæksɪdlɪ /

verb

1. to make (muscles, a grip, etc) less tense or rigid or (of muscles, a grip, etc) to become looser or less rigid

2. (intr) to take rest or recreation, as from work or effort

   on Sundays, she just relaxes

   she relaxes by playing golf

3. to lessen the force of (effort, concentration, etc) or (of effort) to become diminished

4. to make (rules or discipline) less rigid or strict or (of rules, etc) to diminish in severity

5. (intr) (of a person) to become less formal; unbend

Other Word Forms

• relaxed adjective
• relaxable adjective
• relaxedly adverb
• relaxative adjective
• relaxatory adjective
• relaxer noun
• overrelax verb
• unrelaxing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of relax¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English relaxen, from Latin relaxāre “to stretch out again, loosen,” equivalent to re- re- ( def. ) + laxāre “to loosen,” derivative of laxus “loose, spacious, wide,” lax ¹ ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of relax¹

C15: from Latin relaxāre to loosen, from _re- + laxāre to loosen, from laxus loose, _lax

Example Sentences

He seemed relaxed, at peace, like a man who had gone through something horrific but had come out the other side changed for the better.

From BBC

He continued to refine the shape through the 1980s, gradually easing the “wedge shape” jacket into a more relaxed silhouette with sloped shoulders and lower lapels.

From Los Angeles Times

Great for working, relaxing, or waiting for a table to become available.

From Salon

"It's really nice to chat with your friends before you do schoolwork and to be able to just relax a bit and maybe talk about subjects and stuff."

From BBC

"If you expect something, you'll be disappointed. Just sit down with an open heart, relax, and allow yourself to be surprised," Impacciatore says.

From BBC

Related Words

• ease 
• loosen 
• lower 
• modify 
• reduce 
• relieve 
• slow 
• weaken