relax

verb

re·lax | \ ri-ˈlaks

relaxed; relaxing; relaxes

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 (such as light, high temperature, or stress)

Other Words from relax Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about relax

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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

Factor in its reported mood-enhancing and muscle-relaxing properties and it’s no wonder the practice has been anecdotally linked to the ultimate one-two punch for 2019: a better complexion and quiet mind. — Mackenzie Wagoner, Vogue, "What’s the Best Way to Cleanse? A Guide to Detoxing in 2019," 1 Jan. 2019 When France relaxed restrictions on doctors prescribing buprenorphine in response to its own opioid crisis in 1995, the number of people in treatment rose and overdose deaths fell by 79 percent over the following four years. — German Lopez, Vox, "Drug overdose deaths were so bad in 2017, they reduced overall life expectancy," 29 Nov. 2018 The five-lane warm water therapeutic pool comes with a therapeutic whirlpool and showers to provide a relaxing wellness experience. — Candace Dantes, ajc, "Take a dunk: The best OTP swimming pools near Atlanta," 8 July 2018 Mark Hough of Altadena, Calif. filmed a precocious bear who got into the swing of the summer season by climbing over his fence for a relaxing dip in his hot tub. — Ashley Hoffman, Time, "The Bear Drinking a Margarita in a Hot Tub Is Your Summer 2018 Hero," 3 July 2018 Tai chi puts minimal stress on joints and muscles and is a relaxing way to improve flexibility and balance. — Jan Burns, Houston Chronicle, "Tai chi offers many health benefits," 15 June 2018 For Jennifer and Jeremy Sutcliffe, it was supposed to be a relaxing day at home. — Allyson Chiu, Anchorage Daily News, "A Texas man decapitated a rattlesnake. The head bit him anyway and he nearly died.," 7 June 2018 Arkansas: Umbra Aquala Bathtub Caddy Who doesn't love a relaxing soak in the tub? — Perri Ormont Blumberg, Southern Living, "WATCH: The Most Popular Wedding Registry Picks in Every Southern State," 5 June 2018 Take a relaxing paddleboat ride on the large pond on its east end. — Dana Oland, idahostatesman, "Boise parks guide: What's new, what's coming, where to picnic | Idaho Statesman," 21 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'relax.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.