relax

verb

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re·lax | \ ri-ˈlaks

relaxed; relaxing; relaxes

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)

Other Words from relax Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About relax

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 Guests can relax and take a dip in the turquoise waters of the Straits of Malacca at the island’s Emerald Bay Beach. — Roger Sands, Forbes, 9 June 2022 No more scrolling; just relax, and add this to your cart. — Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 1 June 2022 Reading poetry from Rumi tonight to help me relax again. — Ghausia Ludwig, Washington Post, 24 May 2022 Thinking about Jérôme running this market would relax me a little. — Marta Balaga, Variety, 24 May 2022 And finally, after you’ve sent your truly show-stopping nude, relax. — Tom Rasmussen, Vogue, 18 May 2022 Set the mood and relax by the wood-burning stone fireplace. — Karen A. Avitabile, Hartford Courant, 29 May 2022 Like Oval Beach, Van Buren State Park offers guests a scenic spot to relax and enjoy the sun, sand and fresh Lake Michigan water. — Alec Brzezinski, Detroit Free Press, 28 May 2022 Workers were invited to relax with service dogs and take part in a meditation session, in addition to other techniques the hospital system has begun offering regularly to boost staff mental wellness. — Helena Oliviero, Anchorage Daily News, 28 May 2022 See More

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.