ease

1 of 2

noun

1
: the state of being comfortable: such as
a
: freedom from pain or discomfort
b
: freedom from care
c
: freedom from labor or difficulty
d
: freedom from embarrassment or constraint : naturalness
known for his charm and ease of manner
e
: an easy fit
2
: relief from discomfort or obligation
3
: facility, effortlessness
did it with ease
4
: an act of easing or a state of being eased
easeful adjective
easefully adverb

ease

2 of 2

verb

eased; easing

transitive verb

1
: to free from something that pains, disquiets, or burdens
trying to ease her of her worries
2
: to make less painful : alleviate
ease his suffering
3
a
: to lessen the pressure or tension of especially by slackening, lifting, or shifting
ease a spring
b
: to maneuver gently or carefully
eased himself into the chair
c
: to moderate or reduce especially in amount or intensity
ease a flow
4
: to make less difficult
ease credit
5
a
: to put the helm of (a ship) alee
b
: to let (a helm or rudder) come back a little after having been put hard over

intransitive verb

1
: to give freedom or relief
2
: to move or pass slowly or easily
often used with a directional word (such as over or up)
the limo eased up in front of the house
3
a
: to become less intense, vigorous, or engaged : become moderate
usually used with up or off
told her staff to ease up a little
expected the storm to ease off
ease up on fatty foods
b
: to apply less pressure
usually used with up or off
ease up on the accelerator
c
: to act in a less harsh manner
usually used with up or off
decided to ease off on enforcement
Phrases
at ease
1
: free from pain or discomfort
2
a
: free from restraint or formality
feels most at ease with old friends
b
: standing silently (as in a military formation) with the feet apart, the right foot in place, and one or both hands behind the body
often used as a command

Examples of ease in a Sentence

Noun the sunburn medication brought me instant ease a gymnast who can handle even the most demanding moves on the parallel bars with total ease Verb trying to ease my troubled mind The diplomats failed to ease tensions between the two nations. Authorities are looking for ways to ease prison overcrowding. The government is expected to ease travel restrictions.
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.
Noun
However, keep in mind the durability and ease of cleaning when making the choice. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 22 Dec. 2024 Given the durability of gold and its ease of recycling, the gold standard can in principle be maintained without having to mine more gold. Saleem H. Ali, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
And Threatens Panama Canal Takeover Moreover, the election of Donald Trump to the U.S. Presidency could signal an easier regulatory environment for financial players and there is a possibility that the antitrust climate could also ease. Trefis Team, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 This weather pattern, driven by atmospheric rivers, has already delivered substantial precipitation this fall and early winter, easing drought conditions and boosting snowpack in the region. Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ease 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English ese, from Anglo-French eise, aise convenience, comfort, ultimately from Latin adjacent-, adjacens neighboring — more at adjacent

First Known Use

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ease was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near ease

Cite this Entry

“Ease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ease. Accessed 26 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

ease

1 of 2 noun
1
: freedom from pain or trouble : comfort of body or mind
a life of ease
2
: freedom from any feeling of difficulty or embarrassment
speak with ease
3
: skill that does not require a lot of hard work
rides a horse with ease

ease

2 of 2 verb
eased; easing
1
: to free from discomfort or worry : relieve
ease one's pain
2
: to make less tight or difficult : loosen
ease up on the rope
3
: to move slowly or gently
eased herself into the chair

Medical Definition

ease

verb
eased; easing

transitive verb

1
: to free from something that pains, disquiets, or burdens
eased and comforted the sick
2
: to take away or lessen : alleviate
took an aspirin to ease the pain

intransitive verb

: to give freedom or relief (as from pain or discomfort)
a hot bath often eases and relaxes

More from Merriam-Webster on ease

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