rest

noun (1)

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\ ˈrest

Definition of rest

(Entry 1 of 4)

1 : repose, sleep specifically : a bodily state characterized by minimal functional and metabolic activities

2a : freedom from activity or labor

b : a state of motionlessness or inactivity

c : the repose of death

3 : a place for resting or lodging

4 : peace of mind or spirit

5a(1) : a rhythmic silence in music

(2) : a character representing such a silence

b : a brief pause in reading

6 : something used for support

at rest

1 : resting or reposing especially in sleep or death

2 : quiescent, motionless

3 : free of anxieties

rest

verb

rested; resting; rests

Definition of rest (Entry 2 of 4)

intransitive verb

1a : to get rest by lying down especially : sleep

b : to lie dead

2 : to cease from action or motion : refrain from labor or exertion

3 : to be free from anxiety or disturbance

4 : to sit or lie fixed or supported a column rests on its pedestal

5a : to remain confident : trust cannot rest on that assumption

b : to be based or founded the verdict rested on several sound precedents

6 : to remain for action or accomplishment the answer rests with you

7 of farmland : to remain idle or uncropped

8 : to bring to an end voluntarily the introduction of evidence in a law case

transitive verb

1 : to give rest to

2 : to set at rest

3 : to place on or against a support

4 : to cause to be firmly fixed rested all hope in his child

5 : to desist voluntarily from presenting evidence pertinent to (a case at law)

rest

noun (2)

Definition of rest (Entry 3 of 4)

: a projection or attachment on the side of the breastplate of medieval armor for supporting the butt of a lance

rest

noun (3)

Definition of rest (Entry 4 of 4)

: something that remains over : remainder ate the rest of the candy

for the rest

: with regard to remaining issues or needs

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Synonyms for rest

Synonyms: Verb

Examples of rest in a Sentence

Verb We will not rest until we discover the truth. The workers were resting in the shade. He is resting comfortably after his ordeal. She went to her room to rest for a while. The coach canceled practice to rest his team. He rested his horse before continuing the journey. You should rest your eyes after all that reading. The pitcher needs to rest his arm. The spoon was resting in the cup. The house rests on a concrete foundation.

First Known Use of rest

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1a

Noun (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for rest

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German rasta rest and perhaps to Old High German ruowa calm

Noun (2)

Middle English reste, literally, stoppage, short for areste, from Anglo-French arest, from arester to arrest

Noun (3)

Middle English, from Anglo-French reste, from rester to remain, from Latin restare, from re- + stare to stand — more at stand

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Cite this Entry

“Rest.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rest. Accessed 20 Apr. 2021.

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More Definitions for rest

rest

verb

English Language Learners Definition of rest

: to stop doing work or an activity : to spend time relaxing, sleeping, or doing nothing after you have been active or doing work

: to give rest to (someone)

: to stop using (something) so that it can become strong again

See the full definition for rest in the English Language Learners Dictionary

rest

verb

\ ˈrest

rested; resting

Kids Definition of rest

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : to relax, sleep, or refrain from taking part in work or an activity

2 : to refrain from using for a short time

3 : to sit or lie fixed or supported A house rests on its foundation.

4 : depend sense 2 Success rests on your abilities.

5 : to lie dead

6 : to fix or be fixed in trust or confidence My neighbors rested their hopes on their children.

rest

noun

Kids Definition of rest (Entry 2 of 3)

: something that is left over : remainder Miss Brandel … let them have recess for the rest of the day.— Barbara Robinson, Best Christmas Pageant

rest

noun

Kids Definition of rest (Entry 3 of 3)

1 : a state of inactivity during which the body and mind become refreshed

2 : freedom from activity or work I need a rest from work.

3 : a state of not moving or not doing anything The ball was at rest.

4 : a place for stopping or refraining from activity

5 : a silence in music

6 : a symbol in music that stands for a certain period of silence in a measure

7 : something used for support a head rest

rest

noun

\ ˈrest

Medical Definition of rest

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : a state of repose or sleep — see bed rest

2 : cessation or temporary interruption of motion, exertion, or labor rest from hard physical effort a ten-minute rest period

3 : a bodily state (as that attained by a fasting individual lying supine) characterized by minimal functional and metabolic activities the patient must have complete rest

4 : the part of a partial denture that rests on an abutment tooth, distributes stresses, and holds the clasp in position

5 : a firm but moldable cushion used to raise or support a portion of the body during surgery a kidney rest

rest

intransitive verb

Medical Definition of rest (Entry 2 of 3)