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

   she relaxes by playing golf

   on Sundays, she just relaxes

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

Derived Forms

• reˈlaxed, adjective
• reˈlaxable, adjective
• relaxedly, adverb

Other Words From

• re·laxa·tive re·lax·a·tory [ri-, lak, -s, uh, -tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], adjective
• re·laxer noun
• over·re·lax verb
• unre·laxing 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

Unified is reversing a controversial decision to relax the admissions requirements for some of its most rigorous academic programs after furious debate over how to ensure equitable access to all while maintaining the academic standards in the popular initiatives for highly gifted students.

From Los Angeles Times

She said students of all abilities would have been affected by the district’s decision to relax admissions criteria.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s air between the instruments that allows the ear to relax a little bit.

From Los Angeles Times

His organisation brings young people to a refashioned unit on an industrial estate on the outskirts of Darwin, providing a space to relax, a sensory room and a gym.

From BBC

That’s when he took out a bottle of alcohol from his bag and gave it to her to relax, according to the witness statement in the memo.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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