relax

Definition

To make something loose.

Etymology

From Middle English relaxen, from Old French relaxer, from Latin relaxāre (“relax, loosen, open”), from re- (“back”) + laxāre (“loosen”), from laxus (“loose, free”). By surface analysis, re- + lax (“open, free, loose”).

Example Sentences

• "to relax a rope or cord"
• "to relax the muscles or sinews"
• "Horror […] all his joynts relax'd."