RELAX', verb transitive [Latin relaxo; re and laxo, to slacken.]

1. To slacken; to make less tense or rigid; as, to relax a rope or cord; to relax the muscles or sinews; to relax the reins in riding.

2. To loosen; to make less close or firm; as, to relax the joints.

3. To make less severe or rigorous; to remit or abate in strictness; as, to relax a law or rule of justice; to relax a demand.

4. To remit or abate in attention, assiduity or labor; as, to relax study; to relax exertions or efforts.

5. To unbend; to ease; to relieve from close attention; as, conversation relaxes the student or the mind.

6. To relieve from constipation; to loosen; to open; as, medicines relax the bowels.

7. To open; to loose.

8. To make languid.

RELAX', verb intransitive

1. To abate in severity; to become more mild or less rigorous.

In others she relax'd again, and govern'd with a looser rein.

2. To remit in close attention. It is useful for the student to relax often, and give himself to exercise and amusements.

RELAX', noun Relaxation. [Not used.]