RELAX', v.t. [L. 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', v.i. 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', n. Relaxation. [Not used.]
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