Definition of: relax

(ri·laks′) v.t.
1. To make lax or loose; make less tight or firm.
2. To make less stringent or severe, as discipline.
3. To abate; slacken, as efforts.
4. To relieve from strain or effort: to relax the eyes.
—v.i.
5. To become lax or loose; loosen.
6. To become less stringent or severe.
7. To rest; engage in relaxation.
8. To unbend; become less formal. [<L relaxare <re- again + laxare loosen <laxus loose. Doublet of RELEASE.]
—re·lax′·a·ble adjective
—re·lax′er noun Synonyms: abate, divert, ease, loose, loosen, mitigate, recreate, reduce, relieve, remit, slacken, unbend. Compare WEAKEN. Antonyms: bind, confine, contract, strain, stretch, tighten.