relax

verb

re·​lax ri-ˈlaks How to pronounce relax (audio)
relaxed; relaxing; relaxes

transitive verb

1
: to make less tense or rigid : slacken
relaxed his grip
2
: to make less severe or stringent : modify
relax immigration laws
3
: to deprive of energy, zeal, or strength of purpose
4
: to relieve from nervous tension
5
: to treat (hair) chemically in order to relax curls

intransitive verb

1
: to become lax, weak, or loose : rest
2
: to become less intense or severe
hoped the committee would relax in its opposition
3
of a muscle or muscle fiber : to become inactive and lengthen
4
: to cast off social restraint, nervous tension, or anxiety
couldn't relax in crowds
5
: to seek rest or recreation
relax at the seashore
6
: to relieve constipation
7
: to attain equilibrium following the abrupt removal of some influence (such as light, high temperature, or stress)

Examples of relax in a Sentence

The muscles in my neck and shoulders should relax after a nice hot shower. A hot shower relaxed the tight muscles in my neck and shoulders. I can't relax with all this noise! Just relax, there's nothing to worry about. Try to relax and enjoy the ride.
Recent Examples on the Web The 56-year-old Los Angeles native is much more a fan of surfing than relaxing around a backyard pool. James McClain, Robb Report, 14 Mar. 2024 The gathering is framed as a social club that is explicitly for men only, with the aim of creating a space away from family life to relax and speak freely. Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2024 As with bath bombs, these tablets rely on aromatherapy to relax you. Katie Jackson, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Mar. 2024 Now let the rubber band relax and quickly touch it to your lip again. Rhett Allain, WIRED, 10 Mar. 2024 The festivities lasted all weekend so the couple and their guests could relax and go snorkeling, golfing, whale watching, and hiking. Emily Strohm, Peoplemag, 9 Mar. 2024 Australia says China’s official and unofficial trade barriers have cost Australian exporters up to 20 billion Australian dollars ($13 billion) a year since 2020, though those steps have been relaxed gradually since Albanese’s government came to power in 2022. Rod McGuirk, Quartz, 7 Mar. 2024 Instead, guests can relax on the plush sofas while their information is being processed. Dobrina Zhekova, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2024 After a day of fun, relax in the hotel’s large suites that come with full kitchens, living area and separate bedroom. Sandra MacGregor, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'relax.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin relaxare, from re- + laxare to loosen, from laxus loose — more at slack

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of relax was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near relax

Cite this Entry

“Relax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relax. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

relax

verb
re·​lax ri-ˈlaks How to pronounce relax (audio)
1
: to make or become loose or less tense
relaxed my attention
2
: to make or become less severe or strict
relax discipline
3
: to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety
couldn't relax in crowds
4
: to rest or enjoy oneself away from one's usual duties
relaxed at the beach
relaxer noun

Medical Definition

relax

transitive verb
re·​lax ri-ˈlaks How to pronounce relax (audio)
1
: to slacken or make less tense or rigid
alternately contracting and relaxing their muscles
2
: to relieve from nervous tension
3
: to relieve from constipation
medications to relax the bowels

intransitive verb

1
of a muscle or muscle fiber : to return to an inactive or resting state
especially : to become inactive and lengthen
2
: to cast off social restraint, nervous tension, or anxiety
couldn't relax in crowds

More from Merriam-Webster on relax

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!