RELAX

Definitions

1. 1. To make lax or loose; to make less close, firm, rigid, tense, or the like; to slacken; to loosen; to open; as, to relax a rope or cord; to relax the muscles or sinews. Horror . . . all his joints relaxed. Milton. Nor served it to relax their serried files. Milton.
2. 2. To make less severe or rogorous; to abate the stringency of; to remit in respect to strenuousness, esrnestness, or effort; as, to relax discipline; to relax one's attention or endeavors. The stature of mortmain was at several times relaxed by the legilature. Swift.
3. 3. Hence, to relieve from attention or effort; to ease; to recreate; to divert; as, amusement relaxes the mind.
4. 4. To relieve from constipation; to loosen; to open; as, an aperient relaxes the bowels.