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relax

re·lax

relax

 
 
pronunciation:
rih laeks
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Builder, Word Explorer
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: relaxes, relaxing, relaxed
definition 1: to make looser or less rigid.
The child finally relaxed his hold on his mother's hand.The army has finally relaxed its control of the government.
synonyms:
loosen, slacken
antonyms:
stiffen, stretch, tense
similar words:
ease, free, limber, loose, mollify, release, slack, unbend, uncoil, unwind
definition 2: to make (rules, guidelines, or the like) less harsh or strict.
The rules for visitors have been relaxed somewhat during the holidays.The company relaxed its standards and the quality of its products has suffered.
synonyms:
loosen, slacken, tone down
antonyms:
tighten
similar words:
de-emphasize, downplay, ease, lighten, loose, minimize, slack, soft-pedal, soften
definition 3: to reduce the intensity of.
He lost that point because he relaxed his concentration.
synonyms:
slacken
antonyms:
intensify
similar words:
allay, decrease, ease, lessen, moderate, reduce, remit, tone down
definition 4: to release from effort or strain.
Lie down here and relax your mind.
synonyms:
calm down, loosen up, unwind
similar words:
allay, calm, ease, rest, soothe, tranquilize, unbend
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to become more flexible or at ease.
Your muscles will relax if you take a warm bath.
synonyms:
loosen up, unbend
antonyms:
tense
similar words:
uncoil, unwind
definition 2: to rest through inactivity, or to refresh oneself by spending time pleasurably.
Don't bother her now. She's relaxing on the couch.We really relaxed while on vacation, enjoying the pool and sailing on the lake.
 
definition 3: to become less harsh, strict, or severe.
The rules have relaxed since the hiring of the new principal.
synonyms:
ease up, let up, mellow out, slack off
similar words:
abate, mitigate, relent, slacken, subside
definition 4: to gain release from worry, tension, or inhibition.
She relaxed when she heard that her family was safe.Once the audience laughed, he relaxed and got through the rest of his speech successfully.
synonyms:
calm down, chill out, mellow out, unwind
antonyms:
tense
similar words:
cool off, repose, rest
definition 5: to become more familiar and informal.
The conversation relaxed and the party became more lively.
synonyms:
loosen up
similar words:
relent, unbend
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
derivations: relaxedly (adv.), relaxer (n.)
Word Builder: relax +
  • relaxed:
    less tense; more comfortable.
Word Explorer
See
  drug, leisure, muscle