relax

re·lax

verb \ri-ˈlaks\

Definition of RELAX

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 (as light, high temperature, or stress)

— re·lax·er noun

Examples of RELAX

1. The muscles in my neck and shoulders should relax after a nice hot shower.
2. A hot shower relaxed the tight muscles in my neck and shoulders.
3. I can't relax with all this noise!
4. Just relax, there's nothing to worry about.
5. Try to relax and enjoy the ride.

Origin of RELAX

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

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to RELAX

Synonyms: chill, chill out [slang], decompress, de-stress, loosen up, mellow (out), unwind, wind down, hang loose

Antonyms: tense (up)

Related Words: unbend; bask, kick back, loll, lounge, repose, rest; bum, dally, dawdle, dillydally, drone, footle, goof (off), hack (around), hang (around or out), idle, laze, loaf, vegetate, veg out, zone out; alleviate, comfort, ease, relieve; calm, compose, cool, quiet, settle

Near Antonyms: attach, bind, fasten, tie; constrain, restrain

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with RELAX

addax, anthrax, banjax, beeswax, borax, broadax, climax, coax, Colfax, death tax, earwax, flat tax, galax, hyrax, Lomax, lost wax, meat-ax, panchax, pickax, poleax, poll tax, sales tax, sin tax, smilax, stamp tax, storax, styrax, surtax, syntax, thorax, toadflax