/ rɪˈlæks; NAmE / verb
1.
[ v ] relax (with sth) to rest while you are doing sth enjoyable, especially after work or effort
SYN unwind :
When I get home from work I like to relax with the newspaper.
Just relax and enjoy the movie.
I'm going to spend the weekend just relaxing.
2.
to become or make sb become calmer and less worried :
[ v ]
I'll only relax when I know you're safe.
Relax! Everything will be OK.
[also vn ]
3.
to become or make sth become less tight or stiff :
[ v ]
Allow your muscles to relax completely.
[ vn ]
The massage relaxed my tense back muscles.
He relaxed his grip on her arm.
( figurative )
The dictator refuses to relax his grip on power.
4.
[ vn ] to allow rules, laws, etc. to become less strict :
The council has relaxed the ban on dogs in city parks.
5.
[ vn ] to allow your attention or effort to become weaker :
You cannot afford to relax your concentration for a moment.
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Latin relaxare , from re- (expressing intensive force) + laxus lax, loose.