relax

[[t]rɪlæ̱ks[/t]]

♦♦♦

relaxes, relaxing, relaxed

1) V-ERG If you relax or if something relaxes you, you feel more calm and less worried or tense.

I ought to relax and stop worrying about it...

For the first time since his arrival he relaxed slightly...

[V n] Do something that you know relaxes you.

2) V-ERG When a part of your body relaxes, or when you relax it, it becomes less stiff or firm.

[V n] Massage is used to relax muscles, relieve stress and improve the circulation...

His face relaxes into a contented smile.

3) VERB If you relax your grip or hold on something, you hold it less tightly than before.

[V n] He gradually relaxed his grip on the arms of the chair.

Ant:

tighten

4) V-ERG If you relax a rule or your control over something, or if it relaxes, it becomes less firm or strong.

Rules governing student conduct relaxed somewhat in recent years...

[V n] How much can the President relax his grip over the nation without emboldening it to rise in open revolt?...

[V n] Some analysts believe that the government soon will begin relaxing economic controls.

Ant:

tighten