I. rə̇ˈlaks, rēˈ- verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: Middle English relaxen, from Latin relaxare, from re- + laxare to loosen, slacken, from laxus loose — more at slack
transitive verb
1. obsolete : to make less close in structure, texture, or formation : lessen the density or compactness of
2. : to make less tense or rigid : lessen the tension or pressure of : slacken
alternately contracting and relaxing his muscles
pain forced him to relax his grip
after a mile of hard driving he relaxed the pace
unsafe to relax our vigilance for an instant
3. : to make less severe or strict : lessen the stringency, austerity, or harshness of
relaxes its rigid immigration laws for all members of learned professions — Report: (Canadian) Royal Commission on National Development
wartime is well known to relax conventions — C.W.Cunnington
4. : to make soft or enervated : deprive of energy, zeal, strength of purpose
this relaxing of his critical faculties — Steven Marcus
5. : to relieve from nervous tension : cause to unbend in manner or behavior
a shampoo soothed and relaxed him
6. : to relieve from constipation
relax a horse's bowels by putting him on wet bran
intransitive verb
1. : to become lax, weak, or loose : rest
lay back and let his eyes and mind relax
2. : to abate in intensity : let up
set up a standard of perfection which seldom permitted him to relax — Edward Ryerson
3.
a. of a muscle or muscle fiber : to become inactive and lengthen
b. of yarn : to shrink to original length after release of stress
4. : to cast off social restraint, nervous tension, or attitude of anxiety or suspicion
found it hard to relax in the presence of his social inferiors
the country relaxes into its habitual tolerance of free expression — H.L.Smith b.1906
5. : to seek rest or recreation : escape from pressure of duty or responsibility
relax at the seashore
is ushered into a private anteroom to relax before addressing the convention
II. noun
( -es )
1. obsolete : relaxation
2. obsolete : diarrhea
III. intransitive verb
: to attain equilibrium following the abrupt removal of some influence (as light, high temperature, or stress)