relaxing Meaning, Definition & Usage

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

WordNet