relax

verb

re·​lax ri-ˈlaks How to pronounce relax (audio)
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)

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Try to relax, rip currents don't pull you under the water. Tresa Baldas, Freep.com, 20 July 2025 Today, this canal is a natural lazy river, at once a testament to the immense history of the land and a relaxing destination to enjoy the unrivaled beauty of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 19 July 2025 While magnesium may slightly ease period cramps by relaxing muscles and reducing inflammation, its effectiveness varies and may not help everyone. Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 17 July 2025 But the stricter curfew won't take effect until after a full council vote Aug. 11 and will remain in place for only 120 days, at which point the council will decide whether to extend or relax the policy. Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 17 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for relax

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of relax was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Relax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relax. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

relax

verb
re·​lax ri-ˈlaks How to pronounce relax (audio)
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 How to pronounce relax (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on relax

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!