relax

verb re·lax \ ri-ˈlaks \

|Updated on: 14 Jun 2018

Examples: relax in a Sentence

Definition of relax

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)

—

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

Many associate meditation with yoga sessions, but there are other ways to think deeply and relax your mind.

— jamie lisanti, SI.com, "Six Methods Athletes Use to Get Better Sleep and Power Performance," 8 June 2018
The president traded barbs with the French president just hours after his administration relaxed its punishment of the Chinese telecom company ZTE, a concession that could pave the way for a trade deal with China.

— damian paletta, BostonGlobe.com, "France’s Macron threatens rare rebuke of US at G7, Trump fires back," 8 June 2018
His wit and humor and his ability to suddenly, in an awkward situation, say one thing that can relax the room.

— CNN, "Anthony Bourdain shone a different light on the Middle East," 8 June 2018
Critics of the rule say relaxing it for community banks will encourage investment by freeing up money banks otherwise can't touch or have to spend on following it.

— tom hudson, miamiherald, "Bending the Volcker Rule," 25 May 2018
For most, the word summer conjures up relaxing thoughts of warm nights, cool pools, and even colder iced tea.

— katherine lagrave, Condé Nast Traveler, "Air Travel This Summer Is Going to Be Nuts," 23 May 2018
That said, the measure relaxes oversight for about two dozen firms with between $50 billion and $250 billion in assets, including SunTrust and American Express.

— tory newmyer, Washington Post, "The Finance 202: Banks give richly to three Senate Democrats who backed deregulation," 23 May 2018
There are pools galore, relaxing spas, and fancy shops to browse, all in a quiet oasis setting.

— brittany martin, Los Angeles Magazine, "Memorial Day Getaways That Squeeze the Most Out of Your Day Off," 15 May 2018
The jump came just weeks before a U.S. decision on whether to pull out of the global deal that relaxed the restrictions, a move that would likely force Iran to cut hundreds of thousands of barrels a day.

— angelina rascouet, Bloomberg.com, "Iran's Surge in Oil Exports Doesn't Mean Output Is On the Rise," 3 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.

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

in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

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