ease

²ease

verb

easedeas·ing

Definition of EASE

transitive verb

1

: to free from something that pains, disquiets, or burdens <trying to ease her of her worries>

2

: to make less painful : alleviate <ease his suffering>

3

a : to lessen the pressure or tension of especially by slackening, lifting, or shifting <ease a spring> b : to maneuver gently or carefully <eased himself into the chair> c : to moderate or reduce especially in amount or intensity <ease a flow>

4

: to make less difficult <ease credit>

5

a : to put the helm of (a ship) alee b : to let (a helm or rudder) come back a little after having been put hard over

intransitive verb

1

: to give freedom or relief

2

: to move or pass slowly or easily —often used with a directional word (as over or up) <the limo eased up in front of the house>

3

a : to become less intense, vigorous, or engaged : become moderate —usually used with up or off <told her staff to ease up a little> <expected the storm to ease off> <ease up on fatty foods> b : to apply less pressure —usually used with up or off <ease up on the accelerator> c : to act in a less harsh manner —usually used with up or off <decided to ease off on enforcement>

Examples of EASE

1. trying to ease my troubled mind
2. The diplomats failed to ease tensions between the two nations.
3. Authorities are looking for ways to ease prison overcrowding.
4. The government is expected to ease travel restrictions.

First Known Use of EASE

14th century

Related to EASE

Synonyms: facilitate, grease, loosen (up), smooth, unclog, pave the way (for)

Antonyms: complicate

Related Words: accelerate, expedite, hasten, hurry, quicken, rush, speed; advance, forward, further, promote; abet, aid, assist, help, improve; disentangle, straighten (out), untangle; simplify, streamline

Near Antonyms: hinder, impede; retard; aggravate, worsen; perplex, sophisticate

see all synonyms and antonyms

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