relax

verb

re·​lax ri-ˈlaks How to pronounce relax (audio)
relaxed; relaxing; relaxes

transitive verb

1
: to make less tense or rigid : slacken
relaxed his grip
2
: to make less severe or stringent : modify
relax immigration laws
3
: to deprive of energy, zeal, or strength of purpose
4
: to relieve from nervous tension
5
: to treat (hair) chemically in order to relax curls

intransitive verb

1
: to become lax, weak, or loose : rest
2
: to become less intense or severe
hoped the committee would relax in its opposition
3
of a muscle or muscle fiber : to become inactive and lengthen
4
: to cast off social restraint, nervous tension, or anxiety
couldn't relax in crowds
5
: to seek rest or recreation
relax at the seashore
6
: to relieve constipation
7
: to attain equilibrium following the abrupt removal of some influence (such as light, high temperature, or stress)

Examples of relax in a Sentence

The muscles in my neck and shoulders should relax after a nice hot shower. A hot shower relaxed the tight muscles in my neck and shoulders. I can't relax with all this noise! Just relax, there's nothing to worry about. Try to relax and enjoy the ride.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Get ready to sit back and relax for a while when Avatar: Fire and Ash hits theaters. Carly Thomas, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2025 The changes are part of a wide-ranging package of reforms that city officials are proposing in an effort to relax and streamline rules protecting historic homes and buildings. Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2025 On the next inhale, think about relaxing your pelvic floor. Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 7 Mar. 2025 There was a flurry of reports earlier this month that U.S. officials had asked Romania to relax travel restrictions against the brothers, who have been in and out of house arrest. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for relax

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin relaxare, from re- + laxare to loosen, from laxus loose — more at slack

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of relax was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Relax.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relax. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

relax

verb
re·​lax ri-ˈlaks How to pronounce relax (audio)
1
: to make or become loose or less tense
relaxed my attention
2
: to make or become less severe or strict
relax discipline
3
: to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety
couldn't relax in crowds
4
: to rest or enjoy oneself away from one's usual duties
relaxed at the beach
relaxer noun

Medical Definition

relax

transitive verb
re·​lax ri-ˈlaks How to pronounce relax (audio)
1
: to slacken or make less tense or rigid
alternately contracting and relaxing their muscles
2
: to relieve from nervous tension
3
: to relieve from constipation
medications to relax the bowels

intransitive verb

1
of a muscle or muscle fiber : to return to an inactive or resting state
especially : to become inactive and lengthen
2
: to cast off social restraint, nervous tension, or anxiety
couldn't relax in crowds

More from Merriam-Webster on relax

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