I. ˈslakən verb
( slackened ; slackened ; slackening -k(ə)niŋ ; slackens )
transitive verb
1. : to render less active : hold back
slacken a flow of water
slacken one's interest
: slow up : abate , moderate , retard
slacken one's speed
2. : to render slack (as by lessening tension, tautness, firmness) : loosen
slacken sail
intransitive verb
1. : to become slack or slow or negligent : slow down
determined not to slacken as a correspondent — Jane Austen
2. : to become less active : slack
Synonyms: see delay
II. noun
also slak·in ˈslakə̇n
( -s )
Etymology: modification of obsolete German schlacken (now schlacke ), from or akin to Middle Low German slagge slag — more at slag
: slag mixed with ores in smelting to promote their fusion