June 24, 2016 Word of the Day
relaxes; relaxed; relaxing
A man relaxing in the grass
Definition of RELAX
1 : to become or to cause (something) to become less tense, tight, or stiff
[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.
— sometimes used figuratively
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
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