relax

[ri-laks] /rɪˈlæks/
verb (used with object)
1.
to make less tense, rigid, or firm; make lax:
to relax the muscles.
2.
to diminish the force of.
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.
5.
to release or bring relief from the effects of tension, anxiety, etc.:
A short swim always relaxes me.
verb (used without object)
6.
to become less tense, rigid, or firm.
7.
to become less strict or severe; grow milder.
8.
to reduce or stop work, effort, application, etc., especially for the sake of rest or recreation.
9.
to release oneself from inhibition, worry, tension, etc.
Origin
1350-1400; Middle English relaxen < Latin relaxāre to stretch out again, loosen, equivalent to re- re- + laxāre to loosen, derivative of laxus slack, lax
Related forms
relaxative, relaxatory
[ri-lak-suh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] /rɪˈlæk səˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i/ (Show IPA), adjective
relaxer, noun
overrelax, verb
unrelaxing, adjective
Synonyms
1, 6. loosen, slacken. 2. mitigate, weaken, lessen, reduce. 4. ease. 6. unbend. 7. relent, soften.
Antonyms
1, 6. tighten, tense.
Examples from the web for relax
  • Only at traffic intersections did he straighten himself, relax, and ease back into his seat.
  • The commission proposes to relax planning constraints on big new stores.
  • They give us a way to celebrate, explore, and relax.
  • It is often prescribed to relax cerebral blood vessels after a stroke.
  • With summer on the horizon, many people are making plans to go on vacation, relax a little and see some new sights.
  • If you can choose a time to schedule it, choose something where you have a good hour before it to relax.
  • The mice developed hypertension and did not respond well to compounds that relax vessels.
  • Every garden should offer a secluded place to relax.
  • People have long used soothing music or calming sounds to reduce brain activity and help them relax.
  • Taking a quick break can help you to relax and gather your thoughts.
British Dictionary definitions for relax

relax

/rɪˈlæks/
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.
(intransitive) to take rest or recreation, as from work or effort: on Sundays, she just relaxes, she relaxes by playing golf
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.
(intransitive) (of a person) to become less formal; unbend
Derived Forms
relaxable, adjective
relaxed, adjective
relaxedly (rɪˈlæksɪdlɪ) adverb
Word Origin
C15: from Latin relaxāre to loosen, from re- + laxāre to loosen, from laxus loose, lax
Word Origin and History for relax
v.

late 14c., "to make (something) less compact or dense," from Old French relaschier "set free; soften; reduce" (14c.), from Latin relaxare "relax, loosen, open, stretch out, widen again; make loose," from re- "back" (see re-) + laxare "loosen," from laxus "loose" (see lax). Of persons, "to become less formal," from 1837. Meaning "decrease tension" is from early 15c.; intransitive sense of "to become less tense" is recorded from 1935. Related: Relaxed; relaxing.

relax in Medicine

relax re·lax (rĭ-lāks')
v. re·laxed, re·lax·ing, re·lax·es

  1. To make or become lax or loose.

  2. To relieve or become relieved from tension or strain.