[re.lax] vb [ME, fr. L relaxare, fr. re- + laxare to loosen, fr. laxus loose--more at slack] vt (15c) 1: to make less tense or rigid: slacken "~ed his grip"
2: to make less severe or stringent: modify "~ immigration laws"
3: to make soft or enervated
4: to relieve from nervous tension ~ vi 1: to become lax, weak, or loose: rest
2: to become less intense or severe "hoped the committee would ~ 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 ~ in crowds"
5: to seek rest or recreation "~ at the seashore"
6: to relieve constipation 7: to attain equilibrium following the abrupt removal of some influence (as light, high temperature, or stress) -- re.lax.er n