slacken

verb

slack·​en ˈsla-kən 

slackened; slackening ˈsla-kᵊn-iŋ 

transitive verb

1

: to make less active : slow up

slacken speed at a crossing

2

: to make slack (as by lessening tension or firmness)

slacken sail

intransitive verb

1

: to become slack or slow or negligent : slow down

2

: to become less active : slack

Synonyms

• ease
• loosen
• relax
• slack

Choose the Right Synonym for slacken

delay, retard, slow, slacken, detain mean to cause to be late or behind in movement or progress.

delay implies a holding back, usually by interference, from completion or arrival.

bad weather delayed our arrival

retard suggests reduction of speed without actual stopping.

treatment that retards tumor growth

slow and slacken also imply a reduction of speed, slow often suggesting deliberate intention

she closed her eyes and slowed her breathing

, slacken an easing up or relaxing of power or effort.

on hot days runners slacken their pace

detain implies a holding back beyond a reasonable or appointed time.

unexpected business had detained her

Examples of slacken in a Sentence

Sales show no sign of slackening.

As he began to relax, his grip on the steering wheel slackened.

The captain ordered us to slacken the sails.

Recent Examples on the Web

Highs: Mid- to upper 60s Forecast in detail An area of high pressure building into the region keeps us sunny and nice today with slackening wind and temperatures nearer average than recently seen. —Molly Robey, Washington Post, 7 Apr. 2024

Thompson begins by slackening onions in a pan, followed by garlic and yellow yam, tomatoes and red bell pepper, contrasts of yield and crunch. —Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

slacken

verb

slack·​en ˈslak-ən 

slackened; slackening -(ə-)niŋ 

1

: to make or become slower or less energetic

slacken speed

2

: to make less taut : loosen

slacken sail

3

: to become careless