— relaxative, relaxatory /ri lak"seuh tawr'ee, -tohr'ee/ , adj. — relaxer , n.
/ri laks"/ , v.t.
1. to make less tense, rigid, or firm; make lax: to relax the muscles.
2. to diminish the force of.
3. to slacken or abate, as effort, attention, etc.
4. to make less strict or severe, as rules, discipline, etc.: to relax the requirements for a license.
5. to release or bring relief from the effects of tension, anxiety, etc.: A short swim always relaxes me.
v.i.
6. to become less tense, rigid, or firm.
7. to become less strict or severe; grow milder.
8. to reduce or stop work, effort, application, etc., esp. for the sake of rest or recreation.
9. to release oneself from inhibition, worry, tension, etc.
[ 1350-1400; ME relaxen relaxare to stretch out again, loosen, equiv. to re- RE- + laxare to loosen, deriv. of laxus slack, LAX ]
Syn. 1, 6. loosen, slacken. 2. mitigate, weaken, lessen, reduce. 4. ease. 6. unbend. 7. relent, soften.
Ant. 1, 6. tighten, tense.