relax
3 ENTRIES FOUND:
relaxes;
relaxed;
relaxing
relaxes;
relaxed;
relaxing
Britannica Dictionary definition of RELAX
1
:
to become or to cause (something) to become less tense, tight, or stiff
— sometimes used figuratively
[no object]
-
Her grip on my hand relaxed [=loosened] only after the roller coaster had come to a complete stop.
-
The muscles in my neck and shoulders should relax after a nice hot shower.
[+ object]
-
When the roller coaster stopped, she relaxed [=loosened] her grip on my hand.
-
A hot shower relaxed the tight muscles in my neck and shoulders.
-
Winter has finally relaxed its grip on the country.
2
[no object]
:
to stop feeling nervous or worried
-
I can't relax with all this noise!
-
Just relax, there's nothing to worry about.
-
Try to relax and enjoy the ride.
3
[no object]
:
to spend time resting or doing something enjoyable especially after you have been doing work
-
After work I like to come home and relax [=unwind] for a while in front of the television.
-
She likes to relax with a glass of wine [=to have a glass of wine] before bed.
4
:
to become or to cause (something, such as a rule or law) to become less severe or strict
[+ object]
-
The commission has voted to relax industry regulations/restrictions/standards.
[no object]
-
Fashion rules have relaxed a lot in recent years.
5
[+ object]
formal
:
to allow (something, such as your attention or concentration) to become weaker
-
We mustn't relax our vigilance for a moment!
6
[+ object]
chiefly US
:
to use a chemical treatment on (hair) in order to make it straight or straighter
