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relax

verb
re·​lax | \ ri-ˈlaks How to pronounce relax (audio) \
relaxed; relaxing; relaxes

Definition of relax

transitive verb

1 : to make less tense or rigid : slacken relaxed his grip
2 : to make less severe or stringent : modify relax immigration laws
3 : to deprive of energy, zeal, or strength of purpose
4 : to relieve from nervous tension
5 : to treat (hair) chemically in order to relax curls

intransitive verb

1 : to become lax, weak, or loose : rest
2 : to become less intense or severe hoped the committee would relax in its opposition
3 of a muscle or muscle fiber : to become inactive and lengthen
4 : to cast off social restraint, nervous tension, or anxiety couldn't relax in crowds
5 : to seek rest or recreation relax at the seashore
6 : to relieve constipation
7 : to attain equilibrium following the abrupt removal of some influence (such as light, high temperature, or stress)
Other Words from relax Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about relax

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Other Words from relax

relaxer noun

Synonyms & Antonyms for relax

Synonyms

chill, chill out [slang], decompress, de-stress, loosen up, mellow (out), unwind, wind down

Antonyms

tense (up)

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Examples of relax in a Sentence

The muscles in my neck and shoulders should relax after a nice hot shower. A hot shower relaxed the tight muscles in my neck and shoulders. I can't relax with all this noise! Just relax, there's nothing to worry about. Try to relax and enjoy the ride.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Videos and photos from the trip have been shared across social media platforms, often accompanied by the hashtag #BahamaWolves, showing the team boating, playing volleyball and relaxing poolside. — Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, "Traveling across the U.S., and to the Bahamas, Ryan Saunders and the Timberwolves placing a premium on team bonding," 2 Sep. 2019 Mandatory domestic sourcing norms have been relaxed. — Niharika Sharma, Quartz India, "Who gains from India’s new foreign investment norms?," 29 Aug. 2019 Pick a time with few distractions, like after dinner, when children are relaxed, Faith says. — Julie Mazziotta, PEOPLE.com, "How Parents Can Talk to Kids and Teens About Weight Loss," 29 Aug. 2019 Separately, Apple also will sell iPhones online and at its own retail stores for the first time in India starting in a few months, after the government relaxed import restrictions. — Aaron Pressman, Fortune, "How Fitbit Could Stage a Comeback With Its New Watch and Premium Service—Data Sheet," 29 Aug. 2019 State agencies have since relaxed the moratorium on grinning but still require a neutral expression on official IDs. — Anne Quito, Quartzy, "An artist is turning boring passport photos into bizarre portraits," 27 Aug. 2019 But deforestation has been surging in Brazil as Mr. Bolsonaro has relaxed enforcement of environmental laws and land grabbing has risen. — New York Times, "Amid Outrage Over Rainforest Fires, Many in the Amazon Remain Defiant," 26 Aug. 2019 This deal had limited Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for relaxing sanctions. — The Economist, "What Britain’s release of an Iranian tanker says about its post-Brexit foreign policy," 22 Aug. 2019 Hang out on the sandy edge of the American under the trees with your farmers’ market supplies and a good book and relax. — Gregory Thomas, SFChronicle.com, "One Day, One Place: Sacramento," 22 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'relax.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of relax

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

History and Etymology for relax

Middle English, from Latin relaxare, from re- + laxare to loosen, from laxus loose — more at slack

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More Definitions for relax

relax

verb
How to pronounce relax (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of relax

: to become or to cause (something) to become less tense, tight, or stiff
: to stop feeling nervous or worried
: to spend time resting or doing something enjoyable especially after you have been doing work

See the full definition for relax in the English Language Learners Dictionary

relax

verb
re·​lax | \ ri-ˈlaks How to pronounce relax (audio) \
relaxed; relaxing

Kids Definition of relax

1 : to make or become loose or less tense Relax your muscles. She relaxed her grip on the reins.
2 : to make or become less severe or strict Mom relaxed the rules for the summer.
3 : to become calm and free from stress
4 : to seek rest or enjoyment You can relax at the beach.

relax

transitive verb
re·​lax | \ ri-ˈlaks How to pronounce relax (audio) \

Medical Definition of relax

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