relax
(verb)
verb
1. become less tense, rest, or take one's ease
- He relaxed in the hot tub
- Let's all relax after a hard day's work
Similar word(s): decompress, unbend, unwind
Definition categories: body, turn
2. make less taut
- relax the tension on the rope
Similar word(s): unbend
Definition categories: change, loose, loosen
3. become loose or looser or less tight
- the rope relaxed
Similar word(s): loose, loosen
Definition categories: change, weaken
4. cause to feel relaxed
- A hot bath always relaxes me
Similar word(s): unlax, unstrain, unwind
Definition categories: body, affect
5. become less tense, less formal, or less restrained, and assume a friendlier manner
- our new colleague relaxed when he saw that we were a friendly group
Definition categories: social, act, behave, do
6. make less severe or strict
- The government relaxed the curfew after most of the rebels were caught
Similar word(s): loosen
Definition categories: social, alter, change, modify
7. become less severe or strict
- The rules relaxed after the new director arrived
Similar word(s): loosen
Definition categories: social, change
8. make less active or fast
- Don't relax your efforts now
Similar word(s): slack, slacken
Definition categories: change, decrease, lessen, minify
Sentences with relax as a verb:
- to relax a rope or cord; to relax the muscles or sinews
- to relax discipline; to relax one's attention or endeavours
- 1953, Edward Corwin, “Section 2. Jurisdiction”, in The Constitution of the United States of America: Analysis and Interpretation[1], page 589:The Court rejected the contention that the doctrine of sovereign immunity should be relaxed as inapplicable to suits for specific relief as distinguished from damage suits, saying: "The Government, as representative of the community as a whole, cannot be stopped in its tracks by any plaintiff who presents a disputed question of property or contract
- Amusement relaxes the mind.
- An aperient relaxes the bowels.