relax

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♦ re|lax /rɪl'æks/ (relaxes relaxing relaxed)
1 [VERB] V, V n
If you relax or if something relaxes you, you feel more calm and less worried or tense.
I ought to relax and stop worrying about it...
Do something that you know relaxes you.
2 [VERB] V n, V
When a part of your body relaxes, or when you relax it, it becomes less stiff or firm.
Massage is used to relax muscles, relieve stress and improve the circulation...
His face relaxes into a contented smile.
3 [VERB] V n
If you relax your grip or hold on something, you hold it less tightly than before.
He gradually relaxed his grip on the arms of the chair.
≠ tighten
4 [VERB] V, V n
If you relax a rule or your control over something, or if it relaxes, it becomes less firm or strong.
Rules governing student conduct relaxed somewhat in recent years...
How much can the President relax his grip over the nation?...
≠ tighten
5
see also relaxed, relaxing

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