relax

verb re·lax \ ri-ˈlaks \

Updated on: 6 Apr 2018

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)

—

relaxer

noun

See relax defined for English-language learners

See relax defined for kids

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

Shoreline is about relaxing and enjoying the waterfront life.

— valerie sweeten, Houston Chronicle, "The Shoreline at Waterpoint offers upscale condo experience," 1 Apr. 2018
All the great beer has been brought to you, so just relax and have fun in the city that never sleeps.

— paul daugherty, Cincinnati.com, "Daugherty: The Cincinnati Bengals want to 'win now,' but no NFL team tries to win later," 29 Mar. 2018
Guests needing time to relax and recharge at the spa, guests wanting to learn a new skill and taking a cooking class at our new Cookery School, and guests just taking a few days out of their busy schedules to do nothing at all.

— caroline hallemann, Town & Country, "The Best Room At...Chewton Glen," 29 Mar. 2018
A few minutes before midnight, Esta Ausa peered down the concourse of the Columbus airport, ignoring friends' teasing to relax and sit down.

— adam geller, Fox News, "Trump policies split some refugee families; others reunite," 27 Mar. 2018
A few minutes before midnight, Esta Ausa peered down the concourse of the Columbus airport, ignoring friends' teasing to relax and sit down.

— adam geller, OrlandoSentinel.com, "As fewer refugees arrive under the Trump administration, Florida's numbers drop," 26 Mar. 2018
So, just to relaxing and keep working hard and don’t struggle mentality with that situation.

— jabari young, San Antonio Express-News, "Off-Topic: Spurs offer advice to younger selves," 26 Mar. 2018
Flanagan started 6-0 despite a pulled groin muscle that shortened his stride, forced him to relax and, coincidentally, made him harder to hit.

— childs walker, baltimoresun.com, "Remembering, catching up with the 1983 World Series champion Orioles 35 years later," 22 Mar. 2018
Must-see highlights include the front wrap-around porch, rebuilt in 2003, the perfect spot to sit, relax and sip a glass of lemonade on a hot summer's day.

— troy l. smith, cleveland.com, "Nike, LeBron James prep the most anticipated shoe of the spring," 19 Mar. 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.

Origin and Etymology of relax

Middle English, from Latin relaxare, from re- + laxare to loosen, from laxus loose — more at slack

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

See Words from the same year

relax Synonyms

RELAX Defined for English Language Learners

relax

verb

Definition of relax for English Language Learners

: to become or to cause (something) to become less tense, tight, or stiff
: to stop feeling nervous or worried
: to spend time resting or doing something enjoyable especially after you have been doing work