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.
The mood among the squad was relaxed throughout Monday and Tuesday. Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 22 May 2025 Or Martha’s Vineyard to relax around the shores with their families. Taylor Crumpton, Time, 22 May 2025 But when Steven and Robin stop by Eileen’s house after returning from a relaxing cruise, their lives will never be the same. Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 22 May 2025 After a day exploring the Rockbridge State Nature Preserve, relax in the outdoor hot tub to soothe your muscles and take in the woods that enclose your lodgings. Shannon Sharpe, Architectural Digest, 21 May 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 28 May. 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

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