relax

—relaxative, relaxatory /ri lak"seuh tawr'ee, -tohr'ee/, adj. —relaxer, n.

/ri laks"/, v.t.

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.

v.i.

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., esp. for the sake of rest or recreation.

9. to release oneself from inhibition, worry, tension, etc.

[1350-1400; ME relaxen < L relaxare to stretch out again, loosen, equiv. to re- RE- + laxare to loosen, deriv. of laxus slack, LAX]

Syn. 1, 6. loosen, slacken. 2. mitigate, weaken, lessen, reduce. 4. ease. 6. unbend. 7. relent, soften.

Ant. 1, 6. tighten, tense.

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