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
relaxer
nounExplore M-W
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 of relax from the Web
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Allman had rented out both studio A and B, setting up the latter as a place for his techs to work and the musicians to relax.
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Moves to relax rules governing development in the NPR-A could benefit ConocoPhillips, whose Colville-Delta 5 field marked the reserve’s first oil production in 2015.
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Bowman recalled with a grin last week at Levi’s Stadium while relaxing after football practice in Santa Clara.
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Flynn said the Kougars pressed at times, but started to relax and simply play.
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Attempting to take a slice off its No Fun League loaf, the rules on player celebrations have been relaxed.
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Just don't plan on doing much more than eating and relaxing while on Lummi Island (population 900), which has no downtown and no shopping.
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This show shares some of that series’s relaxed, almost ragged style: Conversations are loose and naturalistic, and all the characters are meant to seem like real people, not sitcom people.
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Who among us hasn't spent most of our working day thinking about relaxing with a sandwich, unmolested by the world outside?
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.
Origin and Etymology of relax
Middle English, from Latin relaxare, from re- + laxare to loosen, from laxus loose — more at slack
First Known Use: 15th century
RELAX Defined for English Language Learners
relax
playDefinition of relax for English Language Learners
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: to become or to cause (something) to become less tense, tight, or stiff
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: to stop feeling nervous or worried
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: to spend time resting or doing something enjoyable especially after you have been doing work
RELAX Defined for Kids
relax
playDefinition of relax for Students
relaxed
;relaxing
1 : to make or become loose or less tense Relax your muscles. She relaxed her grip on the reins.
2 : to make or become less severe or strict Mom relaxed the rules for the summer.
3 : to become calm and free from stress
4 : to seek rest or enjoyment You can relax at the beach.
Medical Dictionary
relax
playMedical Definition of relax
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
1
intransitive verb
of a muscle or muscle fiber : to return to an inactive or resting state; especially : to become inactive and lengthen2: to cast off social restraint, nervous tension, or anxiety couldn't relax in crowds
Learn More about relax
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See words that rhyme with relax Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for relax Spanish Central: Translation of relax Nglish: Translation of relax for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of relax for Arabic speakers
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