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- 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| related words: |
alleviate, compose, lull, melt, mollify, pacify, settle |
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| 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
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| 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.
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| 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
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| 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
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| definition 5: |
to become more familiar and informal.
The conversation relaxed and the party became more lively.- synonyms:
- loosen up
- similar words:
- relent, unbend
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| related words: |
calm, ease, lie, limber, lounge, melt, nap, quiet, recline, remit, rest, retire, settle, slack, soothe, sport |
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| derivations: |
relaxedly (adv.), relaxer (n.) |
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