- to make less tense, rigid, or firm; make lax: to relax the muscles.
- to diminish the force of.
- to slacken or abate, as effort, attention, etc.
- to make less strict or severe, as rules, discipline, etc.: to relax the requirements for a license.
- to release or bring relief from the effects of tension, anxiety, etc.: A short swim always relaxes me.
- to become less tense, rigid, or firm.
- to become less strict or severe; grow milder.
- to reduce or stop work, effort, application, etc., especially for the sake of rest or recreation.
- to release oneself from inhibition, worry, tension, etc.
- to make (muscles, a grip, etc) less tense or rigid or (of muscles, a grip, etc) to become looser or less rigid
- to take rest or recreation, as from work or effort
- to lessen the force of (effort, concentration, etc) or (of effort) to become diminished
- to make (rules or discipline) less rigid or strict or (of rules, etc) to diminish in severity
- (of a person) to become less formal; unbend
