(~es, ~ing, ~ed)
Frequency: The word is one of the 3000 most common words in English.
1.
If you ~ or if something ~es you, you feel more calm and less worried or tense.
I ought to ~ and stop worrying about it...
Do something that you know ~es you.
VERB: V, V n
2.
When a part of your body ~es, or when you ~ it, it becomes less stiff or firm.
Massage is used to ~ muscles, relieve stress and improve the circulation...
His face ~es into a contented smile.
VERB: V n, V
3.
If you ~ your grip or hold on something, you hold it less tightly than before.
He gradually ~ed his grip on the arms of the chair.
? tighten
VERB: V n
4.
If you ~ a rule or your control over something, or if it ~es, it becomes less firm or strong.
Rules governing student conduct ~ed somewhat in recent years...
How much can the President ~ his grip over the nation?...
? tighten
VERB: V, V n
5.
see also ~ed , ~ing