re·lax 
(rĭ-lăks)
(rĭ-lăks)v. re·laxed, re·lax·ing, re·lax·es
v.tr.
1. To make lax or loose: relax one's grip.
2. To make less severe or strict: relax a curfew.
3. To reduce in intensity; slacken: relax one's efforts.
4. To relieve from tension or strain: The warm bath relaxed me.
v.intr.
1. To take one's ease; rest.
2. To become lax or loose.
3. To become less severe or strict.
4. To become less restrained or tense.
[Middle English relaxen, from Old French relaxer, from Latin relaxāre : re-, re- + laxāre, to loosen (from laxus, loose; see slēg- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots).]
re·laxa·ble adj.