to make less tense, rigid, or firm; make lax

to relax the muscles.

to diminish the force of.

to slacken or abate, as effort, attention, etc.

to make less strict or severe, as rules, discipline, etc.

to relax the requirements for a license.

to release or bring relief from the effects of tension, anxiety, etc.

A short swim always relaxes me.

to become less tense, rigid, or firm.

to become less strict or severe; grow milder.

to reduce or stop work, effort, application, etc., esp. for the sake of rest or recreation.

to release oneself from inhibition, worry, tension, etc.

verb

agitate , excite , tense , worry , grow , increase

verb

breathe easy , calm , calm down * , collect oneself , compose oneself , cool off , ease off , feel at home , hang loose , knock off * , laze , let oneself go , lie down , loosen up , make oneself at home , put one’s feet up , recline , repose , rest , settle back , simmer down * , sit around , sit back , soften , stop work , take a break , take a breather , take it easy , take one’s time , take ten , take time out , tranquilize , unbend , unlax , unwind , abate , ease , ebb , lax , let up , loose , loosen , lose speed , lower , mitigate , moderate , modify , modulate , reduce , relieve , remit , slack , slacken , slow , slow down , untighten , weaken , clam , diminish , divert , idle , languish , lessen , let one\'s hair down , loll , lounge , meditate , mellow , simmer , temper , unclench