relax relax /riːˈlæks/

verb

1. () Become less tense, rest, or take one's ease  ( decompress , loosen up , slow down , relax , unbend , unwind )
   become less tense, rest, or take one's ease
    He relaxed in the hot tub
   He relaxed in the hot tub
    Let's all relax after a hard day's work
   Let's all relax after a hard day's work
   
2. () Make less taut  ( unbend , relax )
   make less taut
    Relax the tension on the rope
   relax the tension on the rope
   
3. () Become loose, looser or less tight  ( loose , loosen , relax )
   become loose, looser or less tight
    The noose loosened
   The noose loosened
    The rope relaxed
   the rope relaxed
   
4. () Cause to feel relaxed  ( loosen up , make relaxed , unlax , relax , unstrain , unwind )
   cause to feel relaxed
    A hot bath always relaxes me
   A hot bath always relaxes me
   
5. Make less active or fast  ( relax , slack , slack up , slacken )
   make less active or fast
    He slackened his pace as he got tired
   He slackened his pace as he got tired
    Don't relax your efforts now
   Don't relax your efforts now
   
6. Become less severe or strict  ( loosen , relax )
   become less severe or strict
    The rules relaxed after the new director arrived
   The rules relaxed after the new director arrived
   
7. Make less severe or strict  ( loosen , relax )
   make less severe or strict
    The government relaxed the curfew after most of the rebels were caught
   The government relaxed the curfew after most of the rebels were caught
   
8. Become less tense, less formal, or less restrained, and assume a friendlier manner  ( loosen up , relax )
   become less tense, less formal, or less restrained, and assume a friendlier manner
    Our new colleague relaxed when he saw that we were a friendly group
   our new colleague relaxed when he saw that we were a friendly group