relax

verb

re·​lax ri-ˈlaks 

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)

Synonyms

• chill
• chill out [slang]
• decompress
• de-stress
• loosen up
• mellow (out)
• unwind
• wind down

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

With a pool, steam room, hot tub, and sauna, the Uptown hotel’s spa is the perfect place to relax after a travel day — or before a big night out in Charlotte. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2024

While many studies are limited with the use of Indica or Sativa for female arousal, many people swear that these can help relax and entice you to enjoy a more sensual experience with your partner. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 Apr. 2024

Some folks found a shady spot under a tree, others relaxed at picnic tables, mixing and mingling across the yard. —Rachel Bernhard, Journal Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2024

Katagiri teases Adelstein about his inability to rest and relax, daring Adelstein to count to 10, and challenging him to do so without being distracted or thinking about anything else. —Diego Ramos Bechara, Variety, 4 Apr. 2024

With just a little space for beachgoers to relax under the sun, the water is beautifully blue but not very swimmable. —Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 3 Apr. 2024

Equally important to Jayasekara are the neighboring premises, where staff can go to shower, change, and relax. —Hayley Maitland, Vogue, 3 Apr. 2024

As more and more corporations relax degree requirements, and with Boomers delaying retirement and Gen X expected to follow suit, today’s workforce spans multiple generations and professional stages. —Ebony Flake, Essence, 2 Apr. 2024

Their postures were relaxed and the conversation was flowing, as was the twenty-five-euro champagne. —Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2024

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

Kids Definition

relax

verb

re·​lax ri-ˈlaks 

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 

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