1 : to become or to cause (something) to become less tense, tight, or stiff [no obj] ▪ 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. [+ obj] ▪ 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. — sometimes used figuratively ▪ Winter has finally relaxed its grip on the country. 2 [no obj] : 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 obj] : 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 [+ obj] ▪ The commission has voted to relax industry regulations/restrictions/standards. [no obj] ▪ Fashion rules have relaxed a lot in recent years. 5 [+ obj] formal : to allow (something, such as your attention or concentration) to become weaker
▪ We mustn't relax our vigilance for a moment! 6 [+ obj] chiefly US : to use a chemical treatment on (hair) in order to make it straight or straighter