slacken

American  

[slak-uhn] / ˈslæk ən /

verb (used with or without object)

1. to make or become less active, vigorous, intense, etc.

   Synonyms:

   abate, slack, loosen, relax

2. to make or become looser or less taut.

   Synonyms:

   abate, slack, loosen, relax

   Antonyms:

   tense, tighten

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slacken British  

/ ˈslækən /

verb

1. to make or become looser

2. to make or become slower, less intense, etc

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Other Word Forms

• unslackened adjective
• unslackening adjective

Etymology

Origin of slacken

First recorded in 1570–80; slack ¹ + -en ¹

Example Sentences

Ba’s mouth slackened as he struggled to make sense of what I was saying.

From Literature

Growth in the US slowed at the end of last year, as consumer spending slackened and the federal government shut down.

From BBC

The disconnect between slackening activity and the increasing yield has mystified even oil chieftains.

From The Wall Street Journal

She softened somehow, her eyes squinting just a hint less and her shoulders seeming to slacken.

From Literature

The problem is that the birth-death model tends to exaggerate job creation at turning points in the economy — when growth accelerates or when it slackens off.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• abate
• diminish
• loosen
• mitigate
• relent
• retard
• sag
• soften
• subside
• weaken