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

Things like sitting in a pile of puppies, or trying new foods, or watching films, or even just relaxing with your partner’s arm around your shoulders.

From Outside Online

Because the injected muscle can no longer contract, the wrinkles soften and relax.

From Popular-Science

It’s the perfect setting for relaxing after a day spent exploring the adventure capital of Duluth.

From Outside Online

Coffee or lemongrass candles aid alertness, whereas lavender and chamomile candles help relax you.

From Popular-Science

Hold your arms straight along your body, just off the floor, with your shoulders relaxed and down.

From Outside Online

Young Living traffics in essential oils designed to help relax and rejuvenate.

From The Daily Beast

I tried to relax too, but I felt my stomach tighten and I began to sweat.

From The Daily Beast

Libkin found old beds to put in the wild-looking garden around Dacha, so couples in love could relax on them after the meal.

From The Daily Beast

Why won't anyone let Justin Bieber relax and have a good time?!

From The Daily Beast

But as the opening crawl assures, “none of this is canon, so just relax.”

From The Daily Beast

You need but will, and it is done; but if you relax your efforts, you will be ruined; for ruin and recovery are both from within.

From Project Gutenberg

The women at once rose and began to shake out their draperies and relax their muscles.

From Project Gutenberg

He braced himself unconsciously, and after Zeal's next words did not relax his body, although his lips turned white and stiff.

From Project Gutenberg

After that, one thing led to another, with the result that I offered to find somewhere else to relax.

From Project Gutenberg

He repairs to it with eagerness, and clings to it with a tenacity that time cannot relax, nor all the agonies of death dissolve.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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