relaxv.

Brit.

/rᵻˈlaks/, U.S.

/rəˈlæks/,

/riˈlæks/

Forms: Middle English alaxeþ (3rd singular, transmission error), Middle English–1600s relaxe, 1500s– relax, 1900s– relex (Irish English (northern)).

Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French relaxer; Latin relaxāre.

Etymology: < Middle French relaxer to remit, pardon (sins) (late 12th cent.), to liberate, to acquit (1338), (in medicine) to loosen, slacken (1555) and its etymon classical Latin relaxāre to make less dense, loosen, break up, to extend the boundaries of, open up, to make less taut, slacken, to relax the muscles of (the face), to relieve the tension, unbend, to loosen, undo, to release from bonds or fastenings, to give respite, to weaken, mitigate, (intransitive) to ease off, abate, in post-classical Latin also to forgive (4th cent.), to release, set at liberty (5th cent. in Augustine), to remit, let off (6th cent.) < re- re- prefix + laxāre lax v. Compare Old Occitan relacsar , relaxar (1438), Catalan relaxar (13th cent.), Spanish relajar , †relaxar (late 14th cent.), Portuguese relaxar (15th cent.), Italian rilassare (1342), rilasciare (1410). Compare French relaisser release v.¹ With senses 3 and 4 compare earlier release v.¹ With the sense development compare also relaxation n.With sense 4a compare the following post-classical Latin example in a Scottish source:1461–2 in C. Innes Registrum Episcopatus Aberdonensis (1845) II. 89 Sic excommunicatas suspensas aut interdictas in forma ecclesie absoluendi et relaxandi. In sense 4c after Portuguese relaxar (1811 in this sense in the passage translated in quot. 1811 at sense 4c) and Spanish relajar (c1550 in this sense).

†a. transitive. To make (something) less compact or dense; to loosen or open up by separation of parts. Also †intransitive and reflexive. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > matter > constitution of matter > lack of density > make less dense [verb (transitive)] > loosen texture

relaxa1398

relaxate1598

loosen1697

a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add.) f. 216 Ote..haþ vertu to relaxe and aȝens swellynge, and to relaxe noyeful hardenesse.

tr. Palladius De re Rustica (Duke Humfrey) (1896) ii. 140 (MED) Ragston & thinges hard, in cold and hete Relaxed, bereth vyneyerdes grete.

c1475 tr. Henri de Mondeville Surgery (Wellcome) f. 150 (MED) Euere þe furþere þat þou wyndis fro the wounde þe more relaxe þi rollere [Fr. en relaschant les parties adjacentes.].

1664 H. Power Exper. Philos. i. 77 When the Atoms wherewith the Liquor is fully impregnated do relax and open themselves.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost vi. 599 But now Foule dissipation follow'd and forc't rout; Nor serv'd it to relax thir serried files.

1676 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 11 717 At that time it relaxes or swells the Deal for about two or three hours.

1773 Art of tanning & currying Leather 85 The bark..dilates, relaxes, swells, and raises the celular [sic] parts.

b. transitive. Originally: to render (a part of the body) less firm or rigid; to make loose, slack, or soft; to enfeeble or enervate. In later use: spec. to cause (a muscle) to undergo a reduction of tension. Occasionally also intransitive. Also figurative.

ΘΚΠ

the world > life > the body > loose or stiff condition > [verb (transitive)]

leesea1325

lithe1362

unloosec1390

relax?a1425

supple1526

supply1534

nimble1581

relaxate1598

lax1661

limber1748

unstiffen1855

untense1970

the world > space > relative position > posture > action of placing or holding body in relaxed posture > place or hold body in relaxed posture [verb (transitive)] > specific part of body

relax?a1425

remit?1518

loll1575

hang1598

relaxate1598

loba1616

flag1637

slacken1663

?a1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (N.Y. Acad. Med.) f. 9^v When one [sc. tendon] draweþ, anoþer is relaxed [?c1425 Paris slakeþ; L. relaxatur].

?a1450 tr. Macer Herbal (Stockh.) (1949) 102 (MED) Terbentyne is seide to hele þe swellynges of þe matrice..and so eke she alaxeþ [read relaxeþ] þe synues of þe matrice.

1558 W. Bullein Govt. Healthe f. lxxxiiii Prunes or damasins haue vertue to relaxe the belly, if they be sweete & rype.

1620 T. Venner Via Recta iii. 68 It mollifieth and relaxeth the stomacke, taketh away the appetite.

1664 H. Power Exper. Philos. i. 68 The Optick Nerve being by successful means disobstructed and relaxed.

1718 J. Quincy Pharmacopœia Officinalis 113 They are very mucilaginous, and therefore soften, relax, and heal.

1745 D. Fordyce Dialogues conc. Educ. II. xvi. 268 One general effect I observed of the pretence of Pleasure, that it immediately relaxed the furrowed Brow, and opened every Heart and Hand.

1753 Chambers's Cycl. Suppl. at Malache Such ointments as relax and mollify.

1781 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall II. xxv. 529 The nerves of discipline were relaxed, and the high~ways were infested with robbers.

1808 Med. & Physical Jrnl. 19 247 The speedy and prompt administration of every remedy tending to relax the surface.

1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. xi. 84 The heat relaxed my muscles.

1987 S. Sandler Alternative Health: Osteopathy (1992) v. 67 A tool that the osteopath uses to effect a change in tight muscles that cannot be relaxed by soft tissue massage techniques.

2004 J. Emsley Vanity, Vitality, & Virility (2006) iii. 85 This relaxes the gatekeeper muscle and so lets blood enter the tissues, causing them to swell and produce an erection.

c. transitive. To diminish the force or tension of; esp. to loosen (one's hold or grasp). Frequently in figurative contexts.

ΚΠ

1654 E. Gayton Pleasant Notes Don Quixot iv. xvi. 257 The Maids..sensible of their roguish cruelty, relent, and at last relaxe the rope.

1675 J. Wallis Disc. Gravity & Gravitation 36 The Quick-silver in the Tube..will sink..lower and lower, as more and more Air is pumped out, and the Spring thereby relaxed.

a1750 A. Hill Insolvent (1758) iv. i. 59 At the door, Fainting and hopeless, she relax'd her hold.

1782 W. Cowper Conversation in Poems 253 Charity may relax the miser's fist.

1790 E. Burke Refl. Revol. in France 93 This distemper..relaxes and wears out..the spring of that spirit.

1841 G. Borrow Zincali i. iii. ii. 267 Owing to the civil wars, the ties which unite society have been considerably relaxed.

1859 Ld. Tennyson Guinevere in Idylls of King 249 When..their law Relaxed its hold upon us.

1912 Pacific Reporter 126 412/1 The appellants..relaxed the rope by which the water tank was suspended without warning the plaintiff.

1973 J. Brooke King George III. iii. 89 In the last years of his life the late King had relaxed his hold on the reins of government.

2007 Golf Punk Oct. 23/3 Relax your grip until the club could almost be pulled out of your hand.

d. transitive. Entomology. To make (a dried insect specimen) flexible prior to setting, typically by placing it for a time in a container with a humid atmosphere. Cf. relaxing n. Compounds.

ΘΚΠ

the world > animals > zoology > study of specific types of animal > [verb (transitive)] > insects > prepare for mounting

relax1819

1819 G. Samouelle Entomologist's Compend. 321 Coleoptera are easily relaxed by immersion in hot water; and in many instances this way is to be preferred, as the parts become more pliable and are more easily set.

1866 E. C. Rye Brit. Beetles vi. 37 Insects that have become dry, or old specimens, may be relaxed in a jar of damp sand.

1939 C. D. Duncan & G. B. Pickwell World of Insects xix. 389 Before such stored specimens can be mounted they must be relaxed.

1997 P. J. DeVries Butterflies of Costa Rica II. 81 Most people will be confronted with dried specimens in papers that need to be relaxed.

e. transitive. Hairdressing (originally U.S.). To straighten or partially uncurl (hair) using a chemical product. Cf. relaxer n. 3.

ΚΠ

1939 Atlanta Daily World 21 June 2/6 Brilliantine applied while the hair is moist from the shampoo will relax the shafts.

1954 Chicago Defender (National ed.) 3 July 20/1 (advt.) Debony hair relaxer shampoo for ‘Kinki’ hair... Scientifically blended to soften and relax the hair.

1977 Washington Post (Nexis) 27 Dec. b3 Henna tends to dry the hair, a quality that already troubles many black women who use chemicals to relax their hair.

1989 O. Senior Two Grandmothers in Arrival of Snake-Woman 71 Can I have my hair relaxed as soon as I am twelve as you promised?

1996 Independent on Sunday 7 Apr. (Real Lives section) 6/5 If a hairdresser relaxes your hair it will set you back £30 or more.

2001 A. Wheatle East of Acre Lane 232 His hair straight like anyt'ing. He didn't affe conk it or relax it like most man in his time.

a. intransitive. To become loose or slack; to grow less tense or firm; (Physiology, of a muscle) to undergo a reduction of tension, esp. after contraction.

ΘΚΠ

the world > matter > constitution of matter > softness > types of softness > [verb (intransitive)] > be or become slack or not tense

relax?a1425

slack1577

relaxate1598

slacken1850

unstretch1888

?a1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (N.Y. Acad. Med.) f. 85^v Be it bounden streytely with a bende contenyng boþe extremiteez of þe cauerne in bygynnyng at þe grounde of it vn to þe orifice of it, relaxyng [?c1425 Paris in lousynge].

c1475 tr. Henri de Mondeville Surgery (Wellcome) f. 150 (MED) Siche anoþir roller..schal be wounden vpon þe wounde & þe parties aboute..streynynge & relaxynge as it is aforeseid.

1558 W. Bullein Govt. Healthe sig. Av^v The synewes wil relaxe.

1720 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad V. xxi. 309 Tir'd by the Tides, his Knees relax with Toil.

1724 W. Stukeley Of Spleen 54 If the reason of the structure of the penis and such parts be, that they should swell and relax, upon this adventitious heat and unaccountable sally of the blood.

1768 L. Sterne Sentimental Journey I. 53 The muscles relaxed, and I beheld the same unprotected look of distress which first won me to her interest.

1826 J. F. Cooper Last of Mohicans II. xv. 268 The arms of the Huron relaxed, and his body fell back a little.

1858 D. Lardner Hand-bk. Nat. Philos.: Hydrostatics, Pneumatics, & Heat (new ed.) 128 The piston descends, therefore, and the spring relaxes.

1903 ‘T. Collins’ Such is Life iv. 161 The hard swelling of the elbows seemed to have relaxed a little.

1906 J. London White Fang iv. iv. 229 White Fang resisted, and he could feel the jaws shifting their grip, slightly relaxing and coming together again in a chewing movement.

1989 V. Glendinning Grown-ups (1990) v. 55 After about half an hour she stopped shivering and her body relaxed.

2004 Healthy Sept.–Oct. 13/2 Laughing helps muscles to relax.

b. intransitive. Of the face or features: to become less rigid or stern; to soften. Also with from, into.Sometimes with suggestion of sense 5d or 5e.

ΘΚΠ

the world > life > the body > external parts of body > head > face > face with expression or expression > face with expression [verb (intransitive)] > relax

relax1748

unbend1817

1748 T. Smollett Roderick Random II. lxi. 268 The features of the distressed squire relaxed by degrees.

1797 A. Radcliffe Italian I. iv. 124 His features relaxed from their first expression.

1832 H. Martineau Ireland iii. 40 Presently the knit brow relaxed, the fierce eye was tamed.

1841 C. Dickens Barnaby Rudge ii. 247 His features would relax into a look of fondness.

1876 ‘M. Twain’ Adventures Tom Sawyer xix. 160 The hard lines in his aunt's face relaxed and a sudden tenderness dawned in her eyes.

1927 A. Conan Doyle Case-bk. Sherlock Holmes 74 But for once his sphinx-like features had relaxed and there was a warm humanity in his eyes.

1980 W. M. Spackman Presence with Secrets ii. 77 But then his face relaxed, and he said almost banteringly, ‘You want to bet on it?’

1991 XXIst Cent. Winter 30 His eyes would relax and he seemed on the verge of laughter.

c. intransitive. Hairdressing (originally U.S.). Of permed hair: to uncurl partially; to soften or loosen, esp. naturally.With quot. 1937 cf. sense 5d.

ΚΠ

1937 Atlanta Daily World 13 Feb. 3/1 When ringlets kink, take too tight a curl, the hairdresser will spray them with brilliantine. The hair will relax and be amiable.

1962 Amer. Hairdresser Feb. 94/1 Why do permanent waves relax?.. The more alkaline the hair is.., the easier and quicker it will relax.

1985 Scholastic Choices (Nexis) 30 35 Chlorine also causes tinted hair to turn brassy, black hair to turn reddish, perms to relax, and relaxed hair to frizz.

1993 Flare Aug. 17/1 Perking up a perm: as a perm relaxes, the crown of the hair flattens while the sides remain full.

a. transitive. To remit (a demand, debt, or similar obligation).

ΘΚΠ

society > trade and finance > fees and taxes > hire or rent > rent (land or real property) > [verb (transitive)] > remit (a rent)

relax1450

1450 in J. B. Sheppard Let. Bks. Monastery Christ Church Canterbury (1889) 211 (MED) All demaunds be way of dette or plee or othyr wyse be pardouned and remitted and relaxid and for geven.

1528 Galway Arch. in 10th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1885) App. v. 403 It was condessendid by the..Comens to relax to the said Willam Marten..the rent that he owith of the tennement to the Comens.

a1691 R. Baxter Universal Redempt. Mankind (1694) v. 80 Can he have all his debt, and remit it too? Is the obligation fulfilled, and remitted or relaxed too?

1721 J. Strype Eccl. Memorials III. xix. 161 Remitting and relaxing to all persons..all the fruits and profits from the same taken, however unduly.

1831 J. Allport tr. J. Davenant Expos. Epist. St. Paul I. 459 The Papists err, who would have punishments due to sin..to be relaxed by papal indulgences.

1966 E. J. D. Douglass Justif. in Late Medieval Preaching (1989) vii. 201 He is very clear in teaching that indulgences cannot relax the debt of mortal guilt.

2004 Prince George (Brit. Columbia) Citizen (Nexis) 31 Dec. 15 (heading) Canada relaxes debt owed by stricken nations.

†b. transitive. To give up, stop (a process). Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

society > law > administration of justice > process, writ, warrant, or order > [verb (transitive)] > serve with writ > stop a process

relax1870

1870 Army Med. Dept. Rep. 10 350 On relaxing the process [of resuscitation], to see if nature could carry on respiration, he went back.

1883 Law Rep.: Queen's Bench Div. 11 554 He must apply to the Court for an order to release him, and the Court must order the process to be relaxed.

a. transitive. Scottish. To free or discharge (a person) from restraint, legal process, or penalty. Also intransitive: to obtain a relaxation (relaxation n. 2b). Frequently with from. historical in later use.

ΘΚΠ

society > morality > duty or obligation > moral or legal constraint > immunity or exemption from liability > be exempt from (a liability or obligation) [verb (transitive)] > free from obligation

freeeOE

unbind1297

quitclaima1325

acquit1340

excuse1340

loose1340

releasec1350

assoil1366

soilc1384

dischargea1387

quita1387

relieve1416

absoil1440

deliver1440

acquittance1448

quiet1450

acquiet1453

absolve?a1475

defease1475

skill1481

relax1511

redeema1513

exoner1533

exonerate1548

solvec1550

distask1592

disgage1594

upsolve1601

disoblige1603

disengage1611

to get off1623

exclude1632

supersedea1644

to let off1814

to let out1869

1511 in M. Livingstone Reg. Secreti Sigilli Regum Scotorum (1908) I. 355/1 With command to the schiref of Drumfres to relax him fra the horne.

a1578 R. Lindsay Hist. & Cron. Scotl. (1899) I. 26 Quhou schir James Steuart and his brother was put in presoune,..And hou they war relaxit againe.

1640 R. Baillie Ladensium Αὐτοκατάκρισις viii. 115 He must have no lesse censure then the great excommunication, from which he must never be relaxed but by the Bishops own mouth.

1688 Coupar-Angus Kirk Session in J. Hunter Diocese & Presbytery Dunkeld (1918) I. 128 And thereafter to relaxe him from prison.

1752 J. Louthian Form of Process (ed. 2) 141 That..ye..relax the said [persons]..from the Process of Denounciation led against them.

1774 Decisions Court of Session till 1764 4 97 He who relaxes and registers not, cannot alienate, being still holden and repute rebel.

1838 W. Bell Dict. Law Scotl. 844 Letters passing the signet whereby a debtor was relaxed from the horn, that is from personal diligence.

1840 M. Napier Life & Times Montrose xiv. 451 The ministers..promised to relax him from excommunication if he would fall down and worship them.

1905 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. Apr. 537/2 They were ‘relaxed’ in July 1559.

2004 J. Goodare Govt. Scotl. viii. 179 The hornings from which the earl had failed to get himself relaxed were purely civil.

†b. transitive. To release from labour. Obsolete. rare.

ΚΠ

1769 W. Falconer Shipwreck (ed. 3) i. 21 Relax'd from toil the sailors range the shore.

1883 D. Ferguson Castle Gay 64 There sits the sire, his limbs relaxed from toil.

c. transitive. Of the Inquisition: to hand over (a heretic) to a secular authority for execution. Also with to. historical in later use.See note in etymology.

ΘΚΠ

society > faith > aspects of faith > heresy > search for heresy > [verb (transitive)] > transfer

relax1811

1811 tr. Bye-Laws Inquisition Portugal in tr. H. J. da Costa Narr. Persecution I. 285 Should the confitent diminute, as to the aforesaid accomplices, be heresiarchs or dogmatists, it shall be sufficient to relax [Pg. relaxar] them to the secular justice.

1853 W. Stirling Cloister Life Charles V 209 Dr. Cazalla was one of fifteen heretics who were ‘relaxed’, or, in secular speech, burnt in May 1559 at Valladolid.

1907 H. C. Lea Hist. Inquisition Spain (1922) III. vii. iv. 201 He bestowed on the inquisitor-general and Suprema a faculty to relax all heresiarchs and other heretics.

2006 L. Crompton Homosexuality & Civilization x. 296 In 1541 a rural priest named Salvador Vidal was ‘relaxed’ to the secular arm.

a. transitive. To put (a person) at ease; to calm (a person) down, to make less tense or stressed.

ΚΠ

1603 P. Holland tr. Plutarch Morals 115 When we perceive that our friends be well heat and relaxed (as it were) by hearing themselves praised by us, then we may come upon them by little and little with a tincture (as I may so say) of reproofe, and telling them of their faults.

a1677 I. Barrow Of Industry (1693) iii. 95 How in such cases do men forget what they are doing, that sport should be sport, not work; to divert and relax us, not to employ and busie us?

1790 M. P. Andrews Better Late than Never i. 19 Mercy on me—I am quite relax'd.

1836 E. L. Bulwer Siamese Twins i. ii, in Poet. Wks. 96 Nor did whate'er he might discover, Content, or for a while relax him.

1939 Chicago Tribune 21 May 7 sw/2 Our problem is not in acting, not in worrying about missing cues,..but in relaxing the audience.

1977 A. Wilson Strange Ride R. Kipling vi. 277 Only John..could relax his mother when she became obsessed by failures.

1999 News of World 26 Sept. (Sunday Mag. Suppl.) 20/3 (caption) When I get back from work, the first thing I do is put the fire on, light candles and put oil in the burner. They relax me instantly.

b. intransitive. To cease or lessen one's efforts; to rest; to seek or take recreation. Also with in, into, from.

ΘΚΠ

society > leisure > [verb (intransitive)] > relax

relax1652

to take it slow and easy1819

to let down1964

society > leisure > [verb (transitive)] > set free from labour

license1484

relax1652

the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > become less violent or severe [verb (intransitive)] > relax one's efforts

slakec1000

slakea1225

flakec1500

slack1560

slacken1641

relax1652

to slack one's hand(s)1688

to drop off1827

ease1863

slack1864

to ease off1925

1652 Perfect Diurnall No. 146. 2187 Concerning the Princes, they have relaxed from that purpose to have present assurance from the King for the not returning of the Cardinall Mazarine.

1659 H. L'Estrange Alliance Divine Offices iii. 82 The intention of the minde is never so disposed to relax as in sacred exercises.

1671 R. McWard True Non-conformist 350 To slight, despise, and labour to relaxe from, the conscientious observance of these ordinances and midses.

1762 O. Goldsmith Citizen of World I. 27 I once more, therefore, relax into my former indifference with regard to the English ladies.

1774 O. Goldsmith Retaliation 79 Here Douglas retires from his toils to relax.

1796 C. Marshall Gardening (1813) xxii. 448 He cannot relax in his duty without his neglect being manifest by serious consequences following it.

1833 C. F. Crusé tr. Eusebius Eccl. Hist. (ed. 2) vi. iii. 222 He did not however relax in his perseverance.

1877 Harper's Mag. Dec. 114/2 He was relaxing on one such evening, reading his paper, while his wife and daughter..were talking together in low tones.

1937 Life 12 Apr. 9/1 When he wants to relax from taking pictures of cops and robbers, he goes to a G-Man movie.

1945 Fortune Mar. 29/1 (advt.) Even though we have far fewer automobiles on the road today, we cannot relax in our efforts to protect the pedestrian.

1980 M. Gilbert Death of Favourite Girl x. 87 Roger..was relaxing with his pre-dinner drink.

1998 Garden Answers Sept. 61/3 The gentle splash of a water feature..will bring a garden to life and provide a refreshing place to relax.

c. transitive (reflexive). To take recreation, to rest; to make oneself less tense, anxious, or stressed.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > calmness > compose oneself [verb (reflexive)]

stilla1325

spakea1400

amesec1400

soft?a1500

stay1537

recollect1595

collect1602

compose1607

recompose1611

to reassume oneself1635

relax1685

summon1745

mellow1974

centre1980

society > leisure > [verb (reflexive)] > relax

unbend1591

relax1685

1685 W. Kennett in tr. Pliny Addr. Thanks to Good Prince p. xxxvii He toil'd so hard in retirements, and relax'd himself so well in company, that he soon gain'd the repute of a smart and solid Gentleman.

1763 H. Walpole Vertue's Anecd. Painting IV. 71 The philosophic warrior, who could relax himself into the ornament of a refined court.

1790 Coll. Voy. round World IV. vi. 1489 They relax themselves by conversation and other amusements.

1858 ‘G. Eliot’ Amos Barton v, in Scenes Clerical Life I. 90 He was fond of relaxing himself with a little gossip.

1884 Cent. Mag. Jan. 334/2 He occasionally relaxed himself by chevying one of the two numerous cats which haunt the rusty-green grass..of the old church-yard.

1916 B. Tarkington Seventeen xxx. 325 Jane, who had been relaxing herself at full length upon the floor, sat up straight with a jerk.

1967 Baseball Digest Aug. 7/2 I have to chew something to relax myself.

1998 Sports in Sky May 12/1 They have to fight to regain previous form, trying to relax themselves and make good decisions again.

d. intransitive. To become less stiff, distant, or reserved; to assume a friendlier manner. Also with into.In later use merging with sense 5e.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > love > friendliness > social intercourse or companionship > be sociable [verb (intransitive)] > throw off coldness or reserve

thaw1598

untune1609

unbend1746

relax1836

to let (take) one's (back) hair down1850

unbuckle1886

1792 C. Smith Desmond III. xviii. 219 Though she was prepared to dislike him..she insensibly relaxed into a smile.

1796 ‘M. Fitz John’ Joan! I. viii. 105 It was, however, obvious, that Miss Doveridge treated him with uncommon coolness,..and that in his presence she relaxed towards Byram.

1836 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers (1837) ii. 13 He gradually relaxed, and reverted to the subject of the ball.

1837 B. Disraeli Venetia II. 32 Lady Annabel relaxed into conversation beyond her custom.

1879 W. D. Howells Lady of Aroostook (1883) I. 200 It seemed to him as if..she relaxed towards him as they walked.

1909 L. M. Montgomery Anne of Avonlea xxv. 291 Mr. Harrison relaxed into a sheepish smile.

1989 G. Daly Pre-Raphaelites in Love iv. 176 As they relaxed with each other, affectionate teasing became the order of the day.

e. intransitive. To become less tense, anxious, or stressed; to calm down. Frequently in imperative.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > emotion > calmness > become composed or calm [verb (intransitive)]

saughtelc1400

breathe1485

pacify1509

settle1591

compose1663

to breathe freely (also easy, easily)1695

tranquillize1748

cool1836

simmer down1842

calm1877

relax1907

to cool it1952

to Zen out1968

mellow1974

to take a chill pill1981

chillax1994

1907 W. James in Amer. Mag. Nov. 58/2 To relax, to say to ourselves..‘Peace! be still!’ is sometimes a great achievement of inner work.

1925 J. Dos Passos Manhattan Transfer iii. v. 400 Relax, she must let herself relax more. Ridiculous to go round always keyed up so that everything is like chalk shrieking on a blackboard.

1941 Men Only July 70 (caption) All right, relax. I'm just watching it [sc. the baby] for someone!

1954 T. S. Eliot Confidential Clerk i. 18 As you're here, Eggers, I can just relax.

1976 C. Wolff Older Love i. 12 I relaxed over a crème caramel and was happy.

1991 A. D. Foster Cat-a-lyst xv. 238 Hey why's everybody looking so uptight? Relax!

a. transitive. To make less strict or severe; to mitigate, tone down; to make less forceful. Also intransitive.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > lack of strictness > lessen in strictness or severity [verb (transitive)]

tolerate1579

slacken1605

relax1612

loosen1803

the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > make less violent or severe [verb (transitive)]

temperc1000

keelc1175

slakea1300

abate?c1335

settle1338

swagea1340

modifyc1385

rebatea1398

bate1398

moder1414

releasea1425

remiss?a1425

moderate1435

alethe?1440

delaya1450

appal1470

addulce1477

mollify1496

mean?a1513

relent1535

qualify1536

temperatea1540

aplake1578

slack1589

relaxate1598

milden1603

mitigate1611

relax1612

alleniate1615

allay1628

alloy1634

castigate1653

smoothen1655

tendera1656

mitify1656

meeken1662

remitigate1671

obviscate1684

slacken1685

chastise1704

dulcify1744

absorb1791

demulceate1817

chasten1856

modulate1974

mediate1987

the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > make less violent or severe [verb (transitive)] > make less active or vigorous

slake1549

relax1612

slackena1631

rebate1788

1612 tr. I. Casaubon Answere Epist. Peron 19 Such things, which out of the institution of men..were receiued, and vsed of the Church for a time, those he thinketh may be changed; or relaxed, or abolished.

1660 W. Secker in C. H. Spurgeon Treasury of David (1871) II. Ps. xliv. 17–19 Neither the persecuting hand of men, nor the chastising hand of God, relaxed ancient singular saints.

1662 P. Gunning Paschal or Lent-Fast 69 An austerer course of life is relaxed through the frailty of the flesh.

1718 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad IV. xv. 78 Not till that Day shall Jove relax his Rage.

1768 A. Tucker Light of Nature Pursued II. iii. xxiv. 39 No man can fix so perfect an idea of that virtue [sc. justice] as that he may not afterwards find reason to add or relax therefrom.

1820 W. Scott Abbot I. ii. 40 The old woman seemed somewhat to relax her tone of severity.

1834 W. S. Landor Citation & Exam. Shakspere 152 Whether we have not..acted as if we believed that opposition were to be relaxed and borne away by self-sufficiency.

1870 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest (ed. 2) I. iv. 173 The rule had clearly been relaxed before the reign of the Great William.

1908 E. F. Benson Climber 157 I am inclined to relax my prohibition.

1970 E. B. Haas Human Rights & Internat. Action vi. 98 Liberia slightly relaxed her restraints on plantation workers.

b. transitive. To allow (one's efforts, attention, etc.) to slacken or diminish.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > make less violent or severe [verb (transitive)] > make less active or vigorous > allow to become less vigorous > specific one's actions, etc.

slake1390

mitigate?a1500

slack1520

slake1586

relax1655

1655 R. Baxter Aphorismes of Justification lxxx. 208 If men do once beleeve, that it [sc. the doctrine of works] is not so much as a part of the Condition of their Justification, will it not much tend to relax their diligence?

1699 J. Dennis Rinaldo & Armida iv. 44 Here I relax the Violent effort; Which has thus far supprest the strugling Passion.

1725 D. Defoe Compl. Eng. Tradesman I. xvi. 263 A tradesman ought to be very cautious..That he be not brought in time to relax his diligence, by having a partner.

1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth II. 64 From the moment the necessity of learning new words ceases, they relax their industry.

1817 P. B. Shelley Laon & Cythna vi. xx. 138 [The horse] relaxed its course As it approached me.

1843 A. Bethune Sc. Peasant's Fire-side 29 Having business of importance which demanded his presence elsewhere, [he] began to relax his attention.

1921 J. Galsworthy To Let 122 She never moved from his room, never relaxed her noiseless vigilance.

1958 Jet 29 May 17 As policed relaxed their hunt, Dejoie said..he..entered the city every night to talk with friends and political colleagues.

2003 Times Educ. Suppl. (Nexis) 3 Oct. 10 The proposed change should not be seen as a sign the Government was relaxing efforts to cut truancy.

c. intransitive. With of. To slacken or become less severe with regard to something. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > become less violent or severe [verb (intransitive)] > relax one's efforts > in respect of something

slakec1386

relax1687

soft-pedal1898

1687 B. Berenclow Ottoman Gallantries 24 He should be oblig'd to them, if they would in his favour relax of the Rigour of the Ordinances.

1759 A. Smith Theory Moral Sentiments ii. §iii. ii. 232 Upon some occasions, we relax of this severity.

1775 Tender Father II. 69 No sooner was this effected, than I relaxed of my tenderness and regard.

1797 A. M. Bennett Beggar Girl II. xiv. 252 The stately brow of Mrs. Buchanan relaxed of its asperity.

1822 A. Bradford Hist. Mass. ix. 174 I was sometime doubtful..whether administration would relax of its late arbitrary policy.

1855 Ladies' Compan. Jan. 11/2 Her hold relaxes of her precious burden.

1909 Anat. Rec. May 297 The bladder wall..relaxes of its own elasticity.

1982 G. Kinder Victim 236 They didn't relax of giving him his future benefits.

d. intransitive. To become less strict or exacting; to grow milder or more lenient. Also with from, in. Now rare.

ΘΚΠ

society > authority > lack of strictness > become less strict or severe [verb (intransitive)]

relentc1475

relax1688

the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > kindness > gentleness or mildness > be mild, gentle, or tolerant [verb (intransitive)] > become

melta1225

to-melta1240

mollifya1530

relaxate1598

relax1688

mellow1737

1688 S. Slater Serm. preached before Ld. Mayor of London 15 Iesus..hath power to order and moderate concerning it [sc. the Sabbath]; to relax as to the severity, and abate the strictness of the Legal observation.

1749 H. Walpole Let. to H. Mann 4 Mar. (1857) II. 147 The mutinous were likely to go great lengths, if the Admiralty had not bought off some by money, and others by relaxing in the material points.

1789 W. Belsham Ess. II. xli. 523 It was hoped..the Court would relax in its opposition.

1817 J. Mill Hist. Brit. India II. v. ii. 368 The Colonel proposed to relax in the affair of Basselin, and to ask for something else in its stead.

1850 E. B. Browning tr. Æschylus Prometheus Bound (rev. ed.) in Poems (new ed.) I. 148 Thou art, sooth, a brave god, And, for all thou hast borne.., Nought relaxest from scorn!

1911 M. B. Cothonay Lives Four Martyrs Tonkin 89 He received an abundant share..when the jailer relaxed in his severity.

e. intransitive. To abate in force or degree; to become less severe.

ΘΚΠ

the world > relative properties > quantity > decrease or reduction in quantity, amount, or degree > decrease in quantity, amount, or degree [verb (intransitive)]

littleOE

setc1000

wanzec1175

lessc1225

allayc1275

wane1297

slaken1303

disincreasec1374

slakec1380

decrease1382

debatea1400

unwaxa1400

wastea1400

adminishc1400

lessenc1400

imminish14..

aslakec1405

minish?a1425

assuagec1430

shrinkc1449

to let down1486

decay1489

diminish1520

fall1523

rebate1540

batea1542

to come down1548

abate1560

stoop1572

pine1580

slack1580

scanten1585

shrivel1588

decrew1596

remit1629

contract1648

subside1680

lower1697

relax1701

drop1730

to take off1776

to run down1792

reduce1798

recede1810

to run off1816

to go down1823

attenuatea1834

ease1876

downscale1945

the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > become less violent or severe [verb (intransitive)] > lose vigour or intensity

swindOE

wane1297

forslacka1300

keelc1325

deadc1384

abatea1387

flag1639

to go off1642

subsidea1645

slacken1651

flat1654

lower1699

relax1701

deaden1723

entame1768

sober1825

lighten1827

sletch1847

slow1849

languish1855

bate1860

to slow up1861

to slow down1879

1701 N. Rowe Ambitious Step-mother iv. i This raging Fit of Honour will relax.

1791 W. Bartram Trav. (1792) i. v. 50 The tempest now relaxed, its impetus being spent.

1823 J. Badcock Domest. Amusem. 47 When our warm weather comes on early, and does not too soon relax.

1864 B. Disraeli Revolutionary Epick (rev. ed.) ii. xxiii. 108 This emprise Will not relax until the sun shall rise On men who bless his birth.

1911 J. M. Barrie Peter & Wendy xiv. 206 His dogs thinking him out of the way for a time, discipline instantly relaxed.

1941 Wakefield (Mich.) News 20 June 6/1 His anger relaxed a little.

2008 L. Prono Encycl. Gay & Lesbian Pop. Culture 258 [Tom of Finland's drawings] became increasingly explicit as censorship laws relaxed.

7. intransitive. Chiefly Physics. To return towards a state of equilibrium; to undergo relaxation (relaxation n. 6).

ΘΚΠ

the world > time > change > change to something else, transformation > change of direction, reversion > revert [verb (intransitive)] > to former state or condition

to turn againc1325

returnc1405

resorta1438

revert?a1513

to pass and repass1548

refall1570

relapse1593

unhappen1805

react1841

involute1904

relax1934

reset1946

the world > matter > physics > mechanics > dynamics > statics > [verb (intransitive)] > return to equilibrium

relax1934

1934 Proc. Royal Soc. A. 145 718 When not in equilibrium this balance is disturbed in such a direction that the alloy relaxes towards the equilibrium state.

1972 Physics Bull. Aug. 451/3 The electronic spins, initially unpolarized, relax slowly towards their equilibrium polarization.

1978 Sci. Amer. Sept. 124/2 Regular patterns of differential extinction..have occurred as the supersaturated faunas of 13 species of small flightless mammals have relaxed toward the smaller number of species that are appropriate to particular mountaintops.

2005 Nature 19 May 281/3 At this energy..the vibrating chain begins to explore its possible states ergodically and relaxes slowly into equilibrium.

This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2009; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

单词	relax
释义	relaxn. Brit. /rᵻˈlaks/, U.S. /rəˈlæks/, /riˈlæks/ Forms: see relax v. Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: relax v. Etymology: < relax v. Compare Middle French, French relâche relache n., Italian rilascio (c1465), †rilasso (first half of the 17th cent.). Compare earlier relaxing n., relaxation n., and relaxion n. 1. Relaxation, abatement, rest; an instance of this. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > [noun] > relaxation relaxation1548 unbending1552 relax1597 decompression1951 unwinding1977 society > authority > lack of strictness > [noun] > lessening of strictness or severity remiss1589 relaxation1593 relax1597 remorse of equity1597 relentment1628 thaw1950 the world > action or operation > ceasing > temporary cessation of activity or operation > [noun] > (a) respite spalea1250 lithec1300 respitec1330 sabbath1398 vacationc1425 respetta1450 respectc1450 repose?1549 intermission1576 bait1580 sob1593 respiration1611 vacation1614 suspension1645 relaxation1728 relax1733 1597 P. Lowe tr. Hippocrates Bk. of Presages sig. D3, in Whole Course Chirurg. Apostumes..doe most vsually and commonly happen in winter but are most slow and prolixe and lesse subiect to relaxe. 1643 J. Milton Doctr. Divorce 33 The first good consequence of such a relaxe will be the justifying of papal stews. 1661 O. Felltham Resolves (rev. ed.) 309 'Tis not denyed, but labours and cares may have their Relaxes and Recreations. 1733 E. Budgell Bee I. 499 Sated Nature crav'd Timely Relax, distent with liquid Pain. 1773 J. Ross Fratricide (MS) ii. 255 Hate now returning With ten-fold force, reliev'd by short relax! 1834 T. Hood Tylney Hall (1835) xi. 40 A sniff of the country air, and a relax from business. 1853 C. Brontë Villette II. xxii. 141 That bustle and business to which, till five p.m., there was no relax. 1925 A. S. M. Hutchinson One Increasing Purpose i. xxii. 137 That..sigh she gave,..and that relax into his arms. 1961 Times 2 Nov. 16/2 Miss Brodie herself, who is always arousing her headmistress's suspicions because of her damning of braces and blessing of relaxes. 2008 Hull Daily Mail (Nexis) 29 Jan. 36 We..actually had a bit of a relax and a break here..so we're refreshed and ready to go. †2. A device for releasing part of a mechanism. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ society > occupation and work > equipment > machine > parts of machines > other parts > [noun] > other specific parts armOE button?1561 running gear1663 relax1676 collar1678 drumhead1698 long arm1717 drum1744 press cloth1745 head1785 absorber1789 bearing plate1794 crown1796 rhodings1805 press box1825 alternator1829 cushion1832 saw tooth1835 shoe1837 keyboard1839 returner1839 cross-head1844 channel shoe1845 baster1846 water port1864 shifter1869 magazine1873 entry port1874 upsetter1875 mechanism1876 tapper1876 tension bar1879 buttonholer1882 take-up1884 auger1886 instrument panel1897 balancer1904 torsion bar1937 powerhead1960 1676 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 11 716 As the Relax gives way, the Weight will adjust the motion of the hand to the Index E. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2009; most recently modified version published online March 2022). relaxadj. Brit. /rᵻˈlaks/, U.S. /rəˈlæks/, /riˈlæks/ Forms: see relax v. Origin: Formed within English, by conversion. Etymon: relax v. Etymology: < relax v., after lax adj. Compare Portuguese relaxo (1594), Italian †rilasso (14th cent., rare). Compare earlier relaxed adj. Now rare. †1. Slack, loose. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > matter > constitution of matter > softness > types of softness > [adjective] > slack or not tense slakec1374 slackc1386 remiss?a1425 loosec1460 relax1605 lax1660 stray1791 relaxed1825 unstraitened1859 unstrained1882 tensionless1905 1605 A. Munday tr. G. Affinati Dumbe Divine Speaker 228 They haue a very moiste and relaxe [It. relassata] tongue. 1626 F. Bacon Sylua Syluarum §381 The motion and activity of the body consisteth chiefly in the sinews, which, when the southern wind bloweth, are more relax. 1706 Princ. Nat. Philos. made Easie ii. 74 If the bladder be put into the receiver very relax, or but half blown. 1753 tr. F. Hoffman Treat. on Teeth 20 When it is worn away or become relax and flaccid, the teeth loosen from their Sockets. 2. Lax, lacking in strictness. ΘΚΠ society > authority > lack of strictness > [adjective] largeda1382 softc1405 largea1450 laxc1450 remissa1500 milda1530 gentle1533 slender1577 relax1609 unconstraining1644 unoppressive1648 inoppressive1661 unaustere1741 undespotic1821 light-touch1949 1609 Bible (Douay) I. Judges xxi. Annot. Lest either justice be ouer sharpe, or mercie too relaxe. 1693 J. Wright tr. W. Dugdale Monasticon Anglicanum 214 These Canons becoming very relax in their Divine Offices, and more given to hunting, and the Pleasures of the Forrest, than to the Church and Prayer. 1717 D. Defoe Mem. Church of Scotl. ii. 167 It seems the Court thought them too relax and slow in their Proceedings. 1790 R. Beatson Naval & Mil. Mem. II. 198 He was so relax in discipline, that the garrison..were seldom in a condition to do their duty properly. 1802 tr. F.-G. Ducray-Duminil Victor III. 228 We determined first to visit France and to consider Germany, the police of which was more relax than in other countries. 1843 Times 9 Oct. 5/2 The community condemn the..authorities for being too ‘relax’ in the performance of their duties. 1907 Daily Gleaner (Kingston, Jamaica) 3 Oct. 3/3 The other gentleman in England might have a less relax conscience than the gentleman here. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2009; most recently modified version published online March 2022). relaxv. Brit. /rᵻˈlaks/, U.S. /rəˈlæks/, /riˈlæks/ Forms: Middle English alaxeþ (3rd singular, transmission error), Middle English–1600s relaxe, 1500s– relax, 1900s– relex (Irish English (northern)). Origin: Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin. Etymons: French relaxer; Latin relaxāre. Etymology: < Middle French relaxer to remit, pardon (sins) (late 12th cent.), to liberate, to acquit (1338), (in medicine) to loosen, slacken (1555) and its etymon classical Latin relaxāre to make less dense, loosen, break up, to extend the boundaries of, open up, to make less taut, slacken, to relax the muscles of (the face), to relieve the tension, unbend, to loosen, undo, to release from bonds or fastenings, to give respite, to weaken, mitigate, (intransitive) to ease off, abate, in post-classical Latin also to forgive (4th cent.), to release, set at liberty (5th cent. in Augustine), to remit, let off (6th cent.) < re- re- prefix + laxāre lax v. Compare Old Occitan relacsar , relaxar (1438), Catalan relaxar (13th cent.), Spanish relajar , †relaxar (late 14th cent.), Portuguese relaxar (15th cent.), Italian rilassare (1342), rilasciare (1410). Compare French relaisser release v.¹ With senses 3 and 4 compare earlier release v.¹ With the sense development compare also relaxation n.With sense 4a compare the following post-classical Latin example in a Scottish source:1461–2 in C. Innes Registrum Episcopatus Aberdonensis (1845) II. 89 Sic excommunicatas suspensas aut interdictas in forma ecclesie absoluendi et relaxandi. In sense 4c after Portuguese relaxar (1811 in this sense in the passage translated in quot. 1811 at sense 4c) and Spanish relajar (c1550 in this sense). 1. †a. transitive. To make (something) less compact or dense; to loosen or open up by separation of parts. Also †intransitive and reflexive. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > matter > constitution of matter > lack of density > make less dense [verb (transitive)] > loosen texture relaxa1398 relaxate1598 loosen1697 a1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomaeus Anglicus De Proprietatibus Rerum (BL Add.) f. 216 Ote..haþ vertu to relaxe and aȝens swellynge, and to relaxe noyeful hardenesse. tr. Palladius De re Rustica (Duke Humfrey) (1896) ii. 140 (MED) Ragston & thinges hard, in cold and hete Relaxed, bereth vyneyerdes grete. c1475 tr. Henri de Mondeville Surgery (Wellcome) f. 150 (MED) Euere þe furþere þat þou wyndis fro the wounde þe more relaxe þi rollere [Fr. en relaschant les parties adjacentes.]. 1664 H. Power Exper. Philos. i. 77 When the Atoms wherewith the Liquor is fully impregnated do relax and open themselves. 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost vi. 599 But now Foule dissipation follow'd and forc't rout; Nor serv'd it to relax thir serried files. View more context for this quotation 1676 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 11 717 At that time it relaxes or swells the Deal for about two or three hours. 1773 Art of tanning & currying Leather 85 The bark..dilates, relaxes, swells, and raises the celular [sic] parts. b. transitive. Originally: to render (a part of the body) less firm or rigid; to make loose, slack, or soft; to enfeeble or enervate. In later use: spec. to cause (a muscle) to undergo a reduction of tension. Occasionally also intransitive. Also figurative. ΘΚΠ the world > life > the body > loose or stiff condition > [verb (transitive)] leesea1325 lithe1362 unloosec1390 relax?a1425 supple1526 supply1534 nimble1581 relaxate1598 lax1661 limber1748 unstiffen1855 untense1970 the world > space > relative position > posture > action of placing or holding body in relaxed posture > place or hold body in relaxed posture [verb (transitive)] > specific part of body relax?a1425 remit?1518 loll1575 hang1598 relaxate1598 loba1616 flag1637 slacken1663 ?a1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (N.Y. Acad. Med.) f. 9^v When one [sc. tendon] draweþ, anoþer is relaxed [?c1425 Paris slakeþ; L. relaxatur]. ?a1450 tr. Macer Herbal (Stockh.) (1949) 102 (MED) Terbentyne is seide to hele þe swellynges of þe matrice..and so eke she alaxeþ [read relaxeþ] þe synues of þe matrice. 1558 W. Bullein Govt. Healthe f. lxxxiiii Prunes or damasins haue vertue to relaxe the belly, if they be sweete & rype. 1620 T. Venner Via Recta iii. 68 It mollifieth and relaxeth the stomacke, taketh away the appetite. 1664 H. Power Exper. Philos. i. 68 The Optick Nerve being by successful means disobstructed and relaxed. 1718 J. Quincy Pharmacopœia Officinalis 113 They are very mucilaginous, and therefore soften, relax, and heal. 1745 D. Fordyce Dialogues conc. Educ. II. xvi. 268 One general effect I observed of the pretence of Pleasure, that it immediately relaxed the furrowed Brow, and opened every Heart and Hand. 1753 Chambers's Cycl. Suppl. at Malache Such ointments as relax and mollify. 1781 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall II. xxv. 529 The nerves of discipline were relaxed, and the high~ways were infested with robbers. 1808 Med. & Physical Jrnl. 19 247 The speedy and prompt administration of every remedy tending to relax the surface. 1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. xi. 84 The heat relaxed my muscles. 1987 S. Sandler Alternative Health: Osteopathy (1992) v. 67 A tool that the osteopath uses to effect a change in tight muscles that cannot be relaxed by soft tissue massage techniques. 2004 J. Emsley Vanity, Vitality, & Virility (2006) iii. 85 This relaxes the gatekeeper muscle and so lets blood enter the tissues, causing them to swell and produce an erection. c. transitive. To diminish the force or tension of; esp. to loosen (one's hold or grasp). Frequently in figurative contexts. ΚΠ 1654 E. Gayton Pleasant Notes Don Quixot iv. xvi. 257 The Maids..sensible of their roguish cruelty, relent, and at last relaxe the rope. 1675 J. Wallis Disc. Gravity & Gravitation 36 The Quick-silver in the Tube..will sink..lower and lower, as more and more Air is pumped out, and the Spring thereby relaxed. a1750 A. Hill Insolvent (1758) iv. i. 59 At the door, Fainting and hopeless, she relax'd her hold. 1782 W. Cowper Conversation in Poems 253 Charity may relax the miser's fist. 1790 E. Burke Refl. Revol. in France 93 This distemper..relaxes and wears out..the spring of that spirit. View more context for this quotation 1841 G. Borrow Zincali i. iii. ii. 267 Owing to the civil wars, the ties which unite society have been considerably relaxed. 1859 Ld. Tennyson Guinevere in Idylls of King 249 When..their law Relaxed its hold upon us. 1912 Pacific Reporter 126 412/1 The appellants..relaxed the rope by which the water tank was suspended without warning the plaintiff. 1973 J. Brooke King George III. iii. 89 In the last years of his life the late King had relaxed his hold on the reins of government. 2007 Golf Punk Oct. 23/3 Relax your grip until the club could almost be pulled out of your hand. d. transitive. Entomology. To make (a dried insect specimen) flexible prior to setting, typically by placing it for a time in a container with a humid atmosphere. Cf. relaxing n. Compounds. ΘΚΠ the world > animals > zoology > study of specific types of animal > [verb (transitive)] > insects > prepare for mounting relax1819 1819 G. Samouelle Entomologist's Compend. 321 Coleoptera are easily relaxed by immersion in hot water; and in many instances this way is to be preferred, as the parts become more pliable and are more easily set. 1866 E. C. Rye Brit. Beetles vi. 37 Insects that have become dry, or old specimens, may be relaxed in a jar of damp sand. 1939 C. D. Duncan & G. B. Pickwell World of Insects xix. 389 Before such stored specimens can be mounted they must be relaxed. 1997 P. J. DeVries Butterflies of Costa Rica II. 81 Most people will be confronted with dried specimens in papers that need to be relaxed. e. transitive. Hairdressing (originally U.S.). To straighten or partially uncurl (hair) using a chemical product. Cf. relaxer n. 3. ΚΠ 1939 Atlanta Daily World 21 June 2/6 Brilliantine applied while the hair is moist from the shampoo will relax the shafts. 1954 Chicago Defender (National ed.) 3 July 20/1 (advt.) Debony hair relaxer shampoo for ‘Kinki’ hair... Scientifically blended to soften and relax the hair. 1977 Washington Post (Nexis) 27 Dec. b3 Henna tends to dry the hair, a quality that already troubles many black women who use chemicals to relax their hair. 1989 O. Senior Two Grandmothers in Arrival of Snake-Woman 71 Can I have my hair relaxed as soon as I am twelve as you promised? 1996 Independent on Sunday 7 Apr. (Real Lives section) 6/5 If a hairdresser relaxes your hair it will set you back £30 or more. 2001 A. Wheatle East of Acre Lane 232 His hair straight like anyt'ing. He didn't affe conk it or relax it like most man in his time. 2. a. intransitive. To become loose or slack; to grow less tense or firm; (Physiology, of a muscle) to undergo a reduction of tension, esp. after contraction. ΘΚΠ the world > matter > constitution of matter > softness > types of softness > [verb (intransitive)] > be or become slack or not tense relax?a1425 slack1577 relaxate1598 slacken1850 unstretch1888 ?a1425 tr. Guy de Chauliac Grande Chirurgie (N.Y. Acad. Med.) f. 85^v Be it bounden streytely with a bende contenyng boþe extremiteez of þe cauerne in bygynnyng at þe grounde of it vn to þe orifice of it, relaxyng [?c1425 Paris in lousynge]. c1475 tr. Henri de Mondeville Surgery (Wellcome) f. 150 (MED) Siche anoþir roller..schal be wounden vpon þe wounde & þe parties aboute..streynynge & relaxynge as it is aforeseid. 1558 W. Bullein Govt. Healthe sig. Av^v The synewes wil relaxe. 1720 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad V. xxi. 309 Tir'd by the Tides, his Knees relax with Toil. 1724 W. Stukeley Of Spleen 54 If the reason of the structure of the penis and such parts be, that they should swell and relax, upon this adventitious heat and unaccountable sally of the blood. 1768 L. Sterne Sentimental Journey I. 53 The muscles relaxed, and I beheld the same unprotected look of distress which first won me to her interest. 1826 J. F. Cooper Last of Mohicans II. xv. 268 The arms of the Huron relaxed, and his body fell back a little. 1858 D. Lardner Hand-bk. Nat. Philos.: Hydrostatics, Pneumatics, & Heat (new ed.) 128 The piston descends, therefore, and the spring relaxes. 1903 ‘T. Collins’ Such is Life iv. 161 The hard swelling of the elbows seemed to have relaxed a little. 1906 J. London White Fang iv. iv. 229 White Fang resisted, and he could feel the jaws shifting their grip, slightly relaxing and coming together again in a chewing movement. 1989 V. Glendinning Grown-ups (1990) v. 55 After about half an hour she stopped shivering and her body relaxed. 2004 Healthy Sept.–Oct. 13/2 Laughing helps muscles to relax. b. intransitive. Of the face or features: to become less rigid or stern; to soften. Also with from, into.Sometimes with suggestion of sense 5d or 5e. ΘΚΠ the world > life > the body > external parts of body > head > face > face with expression or expression > face with expression [verb (intransitive)] > relax relax1748 unbend1817 1748 T. Smollett Roderick Random II. lxi. 268 The features of the distressed squire relaxed by degrees. 1797 A. Radcliffe Italian I. iv. 124 His features relaxed from their first expression. 1832 H. Martineau Ireland iii. 40 Presently the knit brow relaxed, the fierce eye was tamed. 1841 C. Dickens Barnaby Rudge ii. 247 His features would relax into a look of fondness. 1876 ‘M. Twain’ Adventures Tom Sawyer xix. 160 The hard lines in his aunt's face relaxed and a sudden tenderness dawned in her eyes. 1927 A. Conan Doyle Case-bk. Sherlock Holmes 74 But for once his sphinx-like features had relaxed and there was a warm humanity in his eyes. 1980 W. M. Spackman Presence with Secrets ii. 77 But then his face relaxed, and he said almost banteringly, ‘You want to bet on it?’ 1991 XXIst Cent. Winter 30 His eyes would relax and he seemed on the verge of laughter. c. intransitive. Hairdressing (originally U.S.). Of permed hair: to uncurl partially; to soften or loosen, esp. naturally.With quot. 1937 cf. sense 5d. ΚΠ 1937 Atlanta Daily World 13 Feb. 3/1 When ringlets kink, take too tight a curl, the hairdresser will spray them with brilliantine. The hair will relax and be amiable. 1962 Amer. Hairdresser Feb. 94/1 Why do permanent waves relax?.. The more alkaline the hair is.., the easier and quicker it will relax. 1985 Scholastic Choices (Nexis) 30 35 Chlorine also causes tinted hair to turn brassy, black hair to turn reddish, perms to relax, and relaxed hair to frizz. 1993 Flare Aug. 17/1 Perking up a perm: as a perm relaxes, the crown of the hair flattens while the sides remain full. 3. a. transitive. To remit (a demand, debt, or similar obligation). ΘΚΠ society > trade and finance > fees and taxes > hire or rent > rent (land or real property) > [verb (transitive)] > remit (a rent) relax1450 1450 in J. B. Sheppard Let. Bks. Monastery Christ Church Canterbury (1889) 211 (MED) All demaunds be way of dette or plee or othyr wyse be pardouned and remitted and relaxid and for geven. 1528 Galway Arch. in 10th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1885) App. v. 403 It was condessendid by the..Comens to relax to the said Willam Marten..the rent that he owith of the tennement to the Comens. a1691 R. Baxter Universal Redempt. Mankind (1694) v. 80 Can he have all his debt, and remit it too? Is the obligation fulfilled, and remitted or relaxed too? 1721 J. Strype Eccl. Memorials III. xix. 161 Remitting and relaxing to all persons..all the fruits and profits from the same taken, however unduly. 1831 J. Allport tr. J. Davenant Expos. Epist. St. Paul I. 459 The Papists err, who would have punishments due to sin..to be relaxed by papal indulgences. 1966 E. J. D. Douglass Justif. in Late Medieval Preaching (1989) vii. 201 He is very clear in teaching that indulgences cannot relax the debt of mortal guilt. 2004 Prince George (Brit. Columbia) Citizen (Nexis) 31 Dec. 15 (heading) Canada relaxes debt owed by stricken nations. †b. transitive. To give up, stop (a process). Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ society > law > administration of justice > process, writ, warrant, or order > [verb (transitive)] > serve with writ > stop a process relax1870 1870 Army Med. Dept. Rep. 10 350 On relaxing the process [of resuscitation], to see if nature could carry on respiration, he went back. 1883 Law Rep.: Queen's Bench Div. 11 554 He must apply to the Court for an order to release him, and the Court must order the process to be relaxed. 4. a. transitive. Scottish. To free or discharge (a person) from restraint, legal process, or penalty. Also intransitive: to obtain a relaxation (relaxation n. 2b). Frequently with from. historical in later use. ΘΚΠ society > morality > duty or obligation > moral or legal constraint > immunity or exemption from liability > be exempt from (a liability or obligation) [verb (transitive)] > free from obligation freeeOE unbind1297 quitclaima1325 acquit1340 excuse1340 loose1340 releasec1350 assoil1366 soilc1384 dischargea1387 quita1387 relieve1416 absoil1440 deliver1440 acquittance1448 quiet1450 acquiet1453 absolve?a1475 defease1475 skill1481 relax1511 redeema1513 exoner1533 exonerate1548 solvec1550 distask1592 disgage1594 upsolve1601 disoblige1603 disengage1611 to get off1623 exclude1632 supersedea1644 to let off1814 to let out1869 1511 in M. Livingstone Reg. Secreti Sigilli Regum Scotorum (1908) I. 355/1 With command to the schiref of Drumfres to relax him fra the horne. a1578 R. Lindsay Hist. & Cron. Scotl. (1899) I. 26 Quhou schir James Steuart and his brother was put in presoune,..And hou they war relaxit againe. 1640 R. Baillie Ladensium Αὐτοκατάκρισις viii. 115 He must have no lesse censure then the great excommunication, from which he must never be relaxed but by the Bishops own mouth. 1688 Coupar-Angus Kirk Session in J. Hunter Diocese & Presbytery Dunkeld (1918) I. 128 And thereafter to relaxe him from prison. 1752 J. Louthian Form of Process (ed. 2) 141 That..ye..relax the said [persons]..from the Process of Denounciation led against them. 1774 Decisions Court of Session till 1764 4 97 He who relaxes and registers not, cannot alienate, being still holden and repute rebel. 1838 W. Bell Dict. Law Scotl. 844 Letters passing the signet whereby a debtor was relaxed from the horn, that is from personal diligence. 1840 M. Napier Life & Times Montrose xiv. 451 The ministers..promised to relax him from excommunication if he would fall down and worship them. 1905 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. Apr. 537/2 They were ‘relaxed’ in July 1559. 2004 J. Goodare Govt. Scotl. viii. 179 The hornings from which the earl had failed to get himself relaxed were purely civil. †b. transitive. To release from labour. Obsolete. rare. ΚΠ 1769 W. Falconer Shipwreck (ed. 3) i. 21 Relax'd from toil the sailors range the shore. 1883 D. Ferguson Castle Gay 64 There sits the sire, his limbs relaxed from toil. c. transitive. Of the Inquisition: to hand over (a heretic) to a secular authority for execution. Also with to. historical in later use.See note in etymology. ΘΚΠ society > faith > aspects of faith > heresy > search for heresy > [verb (transitive)] > transfer relax1811 1811 tr. Bye-Laws Inquisition Portugal in tr. H. J. da Costa Narr. Persecution I. 285 Should the confitent diminute, as to the aforesaid accomplices, be heresiarchs or dogmatists, it shall be sufficient to relax [Pg. relaxar] them to the secular justice. 1853 W. Stirling Cloister Life Charles V 209 Dr. Cazalla was one of fifteen heretics who were ‘relaxed’, or, in secular speech, burnt in May 1559 at Valladolid. 1907 H. C. Lea Hist. Inquisition Spain (1922) III. vii. iv. 201 He bestowed on the inquisitor-general and Suprema a faculty to relax all heresiarchs and other heretics. 2006 L. Crompton Homosexuality & Civilization x. 296 In 1541 a rural priest named Salvador Vidal was ‘relaxed’ to the secular arm. 5. a. transitive. To put (a person) at ease; to calm (a person) down, to make less tense or stressed. ΚΠ 1603 P. Holland tr. Plutarch Morals 115 When we perceive that our friends be well heat and relaxed (as it were) by hearing themselves praised by us, then we may come upon them by little and little with a tincture (as I may so say) of reproofe, and telling them of their faults. a1677 I. Barrow Of Industry (1693) iii. 95 How in such cases do men forget what they are doing, that sport should be sport, not work; to divert and relax us, not to employ and busie us? 1790 M. P. Andrews Better Late than Never i. 19 Mercy on me—I am quite relax'd. 1836 E. L. Bulwer Siamese Twins i. ii, in Poet. Wks. 96 Nor did whate'er he might discover, Content, or for a while relax him. 1939 Chicago Tribune 21 May 7 sw/2 Our problem is not in acting, not in worrying about missing cues,..but in relaxing the audience. 1977 A. Wilson Strange Ride R. Kipling vi. 277 Only John..could relax his mother when she became obsessed by failures. 1999 News of World 26 Sept. (Sunday Mag. Suppl.) 20/3 (caption) When I get back from work, the first thing I do is put the fire on, light candles and put oil in the burner. They relax me instantly. b. intransitive. To cease or lessen one's efforts; to rest; to seek or take recreation. Also with in, into, from. ΘΚΠ society > leisure > [verb (intransitive)] > relax relax1652 to take it slow and easy1819 to let down1964 society > leisure > [verb (transitive)] > set free from labour license1484 relax1652 the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > become less violent or severe [verb (intransitive)] > relax one's efforts slakec1000 slakea1225 flakec1500 slack1560 slacken1641 relax1652 to slack one's hand(s)1688 to drop off1827 ease1863 slack1864 to ease off1925 1652 Perfect Diurnall No. 146. 2187 Concerning the Princes, they have relaxed from that purpose to have present assurance from the King for the not returning of the Cardinall Mazarine. 1659 H. L'Estrange Alliance Divine Offices iii. 82 The intention of the minde is never so disposed to relax as in sacred exercises. 1671 R. McWard True Non-conformist 350 To slight, despise, and labour to relaxe from, the conscientious observance of these ordinances and midses. 1762 O. Goldsmith Citizen of World I. 27 I once more, therefore, relax into my former indifference with regard to the English ladies. 1774 O. Goldsmith Retaliation 79 Here Douglas retires from his toils to relax. 1796 C. Marshall Gardening (1813) xxii. 448 He cannot relax in his duty without his neglect being manifest by serious consequences following it. 1833 C. F. Crusé tr. Eusebius Eccl. Hist. (ed. 2) vi. iii. 222 He did not however relax in his perseverance. 1877 Harper's Mag. Dec. 114/2 He was relaxing on one such evening, reading his paper, while his wife and daughter..were talking together in low tones. 1937 Life 12 Apr. 9/1 When he wants to relax from taking pictures of cops and robbers, he goes to a G-Man movie. 1945 Fortune Mar. 29/1 (advt.) Even though we have far fewer automobiles on the road today, we cannot relax in our efforts to protect the pedestrian. 1980 M. Gilbert Death of Favourite Girl x. 87 Roger..was relaxing with his pre-dinner drink. 1998 Garden Answers Sept. 61/3 The gentle splash of a water feature..will bring a garden to life and provide a refreshing place to relax. c. transitive (reflexive). To take recreation, to rest; to make oneself less tense, anxious, or stressed. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > calmness > compose oneself [verb (reflexive)] stilla1325 spakea1400 amesec1400 soft?a1500 stay1537 recollect1595 collect1602 compose1607 recompose1611 to reassume oneself1635 relax1685 summon1745 mellow1974 centre1980 society > leisure > [verb (reflexive)] > relax unbend1591 relax1685 1685 W. Kennett in tr. Pliny Addr. Thanks to Good Prince p. xxxvii He toil'd so hard in retirements, and relax'd himself so well in company, that he soon gain'd the repute of a smart and solid Gentleman. 1763 H. Walpole Vertue's Anecd. Painting IV. 71 The philosophic warrior, who could relax himself into the ornament of a refined court. 1790 Coll. Voy. round World IV. vi. 1489 They relax themselves by conversation and other amusements. 1858 ‘G. Eliot’ Amos Barton v, in Scenes Clerical Life I. 90 He was fond of relaxing himself with a little gossip. 1884 Cent. Mag. Jan. 334/2 He occasionally relaxed himself by chevying one of the two numerous cats which haunt the rusty-green grass..of the old church-yard. 1916 B. Tarkington Seventeen xxx. 325 Jane, who had been relaxing herself at full length upon the floor, sat up straight with a jerk. 1967 Baseball Digest Aug. 7/2 I have to chew something to relax myself. 1998 Sports in Sky May 12/1 They have to fight to regain previous form, trying to relax themselves and make good decisions again. d. intransitive. To become less stiff, distant, or reserved; to assume a friendlier manner. Also with into.In later use merging with sense 5e. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > love > friendliness > social intercourse or companionship > be sociable [verb (intransitive)] > throw off coldness or reserve thaw1598 untune1609 unbend1746 relax1836 to let (take) one's (back) hair down1850 unbuckle1886 1792 C. Smith Desmond III. xviii. 219 Though she was prepared to dislike him..she insensibly relaxed into a smile. 1796 ‘M. Fitz John’ Joan! I. viii. 105 It was, however, obvious, that Miss Doveridge treated him with uncommon coolness,..and that in his presence she relaxed towards Byram. 1836 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers (1837) ii. 13 He gradually relaxed, and reverted to the subject of the ball. 1837 B. Disraeli Venetia II. 32 Lady Annabel relaxed into conversation beyond her custom. 1879 W. D. Howells Lady of Aroostook (1883) I. 200 It seemed to him as if..she relaxed towards him as they walked. 1909 L. M. Montgomery Anne of Avonlea xxv. 291 Mr. Harrison relaxed into a sheepish smile. 1989 G. Daly Pre-Raphaelites in Love iv. 176 As they relaxed with each other, affectionate teasing became the order of the day. e. intransitive. To become less tense, anxious, or stressed; to calm down. Frequently in imperative. ΘΚΠ the mind > emotion > calmness > become composed or calm [verb (intransitive)] saughtelc1400 breathe1485 pacify1509 settle1591 compose1663 to breathe freely (also easy, easily)1695 tranquillize1748 cool1836 simmer down1842 calm1877 relax1907 to cool it1952 to Zen out1968 mellow1974 to take a chill pill1981 chillax1994 1907 W. James in Amer. Mag. Nov. 58/2 To relax, to say to ourselves..‘Peace! be still!’ is sometimes a great achievement of inner work. 1925 J. Dos Passos Manhattan Transfer iii. v. 400 Relax, she must let herself relax more. Ridiculous to go round always keyed up so that everything is like chalk shrieking on a blackboard. 1941 Men Only July 70 (caption) All right, relax. I'm just watching it [sc. the baby] for someone! 1954 T. S. Eliot Confidential Clerk i. 18 As you're here, Eggers, I can just relax. 1976 C. Wolff Older Love i. 12 I relaxed over a crème caramel and was happy. 1991 A. D. Foster Cat-a-lyst xv. 238 Hey why's everybody looking so uptight? Relax! 6. a. transitive. To make less strict or severe; to mitigate, tone down; to make less forceful. Also intransitive. ΘΚΠ society > authority > lack of strictness > lessen in strictness or severity [verb (transitive)] tolerate1579 slacken1605 relax1612 loosen1803 the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > make less violent or severe [verb (transitive)] temperc1000 keelc1175 slakea1300 abate?c1335 settle1338 swagea1340 modifyc1385 rebatea1398 bate1398 moder1414 releasea1425 remiss?a1425 moderate1435 alethe?1440 delaya1450 appal1470 addulce1477 mollify1496 mean?a1513 relent1535 qualify1536 temperatea1540 aplake1578 slack1589 relaxate1598 milden1603 mitigate1611 relax1612 alleniate1615 allay1628 alloy1634 castigate1653 smoothen1655 tendera1656 mitify1656 meeken1662 remitigate1671 obviscate1684 slacken1685 chastise1704 dulcify1744 absorb1791 demulceate1817 chasten1856 modulate1974 mediate1987 the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > make less violent or severe [verb (transitive)] > make less active or vigorous slake1549 relax1612 slackena1631 rebate1788 1612 tr. I. Casaubon Answere Epist. Peron 19 Such things, which out of the institution of men..were receiued, and vsed of the Church for a time, those he thinketh may be changed; or relaxed, or abolished. 1660 W. Secker in C. H. Spurgeon Treasury of David (1871) II. Ps. xliv. 17–19 Neither the persecuting hand of men, nor the chastising hand of God, relaxed ancient singular saints. 1662 P. Gunning Paschal or Lent-Fast 69 An austerer course of life is relaxed through the frailty of the flesh. 1718 A. Pope tr. Homer Iliad IV. xv. 78 Not till that Day shall Jove relax his Rage. 1768 A. Tucker Light of Nature Pursued II. iii. xxiv. 39 No man can fix so perfect an idea of that virtue [sc. justice] as that he may not afterwards find reason to add or relax therefrom. 1820 W. Scott Abbot I. ii. 40 The old woman seemed somewhat to relax her tone of severity. 1834 W. S. Landor Citation & Exam. Shakspere 152 Whether we have not..acted as if we believed that opposition were to be relaxed and borne away by self-sufficiency. 1870 E. A. Freeman Hist. Norman Conquest (ed. 2) I. iv. 173 The rule had clearly been relaxed before the reign of the Great William. 1908 E. F. Benson Climber 157 I am inclined to relax my prohibition. 1970 E. B. Haas Human Rights & Internat. Action vi. 98 Liberia slightly relaxed her restraints on plantation workers. b. transitive. To allow (one's efforts, attention, etc.) to slacken or diminish. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > make less violent or severe [verb (transitive)] > make less active or vigorous > allow to become less vigorous > specific one's actions, etc. slake1390 mitigate?a1500 slack1520 slake1586 relax1655 1655 R. Baxter Aphorismes of Justification lxxx. 208 If men do once beleeve, that it [sc. the doctrine of works] is not so much as a part of the Condition of their Justification, will it not much tend to relax their diligence? 1699 J. Dennis Rinaldo & Armida iv. 44 Here I relax the Violent effort; Which has thus far supprest the strugling Passion. 1725 D. Defoe Compl. Eng. Tradesman I. xvi. 263 A tradesman ought to be very cautious..That he be not brought in time to relax his diligence, by having a partner. 1774 O. Goldsmith Hist. Earth II. 64 From the moment the necessity of learning new words ceases, they relax their industry. 1817 P. B. Shelley Laon & Cythna vi. xx. 138 [The horse] relaxed its course As it approached me. 1843 A. Bethune Sc. Peasant's Fire-side 29 Having business of importance which demanded his presence elsewhere, [he] began to relax his attention. 1921 J. Galsworthy To Let 122 She never moved from his room, never relaxed her noiseless vigilance. 1958 Jet 29 May 17 As policed relaxed their hunt, Dejoie said..he..entered the city every night to talk with friends and political colleagues. 2003 Times Educ. Suppl. (Nexis) 3 Oct. 10 The proposed change should not be seen as a sign the Government was relaxing efforts to cut truancy. c. intransitive. With of. To slacken or become less severe with regard to something. Now rare. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > become less violent or severe [verb (intransitive)] > relax one's efforts > in respect of something slakec1386 relax1687 soft-pedal1898 1687 B. Berenclow Ottoman Gallantries 24 He should be oblig'd to them, if they would in his favour relax of the Rigour of the Ordinances. 1759 A. Smith Theory Moral Sentiments ii. §iii. ii. 232 Upon some occasions, we relax of this severity. 1775 Tender Father II. 69 No sooner was this effected, than I relaxed of my tenderness and regard. 1797 A. M. Bennett Beggar Girl II. xiv. 252 The stately brow of Mrs. Buchanan relaxed of its asperity. 1822 A. Bradford Hist. Mass. ix. 174 I was sometime doubtful..whether administration would relax of its late arbitrary policy. 1855 Ladies' Compan. Jan. 11/2 Her hold relaxes of her precious burden. 1909 Anat. Rec. May 297 The bladder wall..relaxes of its own elasticity. 1982 G. Kinder Victim 236 They didn't relax of giving him his future benefits. d. intransitive. To become less strict or exacting; to grow milder or more lenient. Also with from, in. Now rare. ΘΚΠ society > authority > lack of strictness > become less strict or severe [verb (intransitive)] relentc1475 relax1688 the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > kindness > gentleness or mildness > be mild, gentle, or tolerant [verb (intransitive)] > become melta1225 to-melta1240 mollifya1530 relaxate1598 relax1688 mellow1737 1688 S. Slater Serm. preached before Ld. Mayor of London 15 Iesus..hath power to order and moderate concerning it [sc. the Sabbath]; to relax as to the severity, and abate the strictness of the Legal observation. 1749 H. Walpole Let. to H. Mann 4 Mar. (1857) II. 147 The mutinous were likely to go great lengths, if the Admiralty had not bought off some by money, and others by relaxing in the material points. 1789 W. Belsham Ess. II. xli. 523 It was hoped..the Court would relax in its opposition. 1817 J. Mill Hist. Brit. India II. v. ii. 368 The Colonel proposed to relax in the affair of Basselin, and to ask for something else in its stead. 1850 E. B. Browning tr. Æschylus Prometheus Bound (rev. ed.) in Poems (new ed.) I. 148 Thou art, sooth, a brave god, And, for all thou hast borne.., Nought relaxest from scorn! 1911 M. B. Cothonay Lives Four Martyrs Tonkin 89 He received an abundant share..when the jailer relaxed in his severity. e. intransitive. To abate in force or degree; to become less severe. ΘΚΠ the world > relative properties > quantity > decrease or reduction in quantity, amount, or degree > decrease in quantity, amount, or degree [verb (intransitive)] littleOE setc1000 wanzec1175 lessc1225 allayc1275 wane1297 slaken1303 disincreasec1374 slakec1380 decrease1382 debatea1400 unwaxa1400 wastea1400 adminishc1400 lessenc1400 imminish14.. aslakec1405 minish?a1425 assuagec1430 shrinkc1449 to let down1486 decay1489 diminish1520 fall1523 rebate1540 batea1542 to come down1548 abate1560 stoop1572 pine1580 slack1580 scanten1585 shrivel1588 decrew1596 remit1629 contract1648 subside1680 lower1697 relax1701 drop1730 to take off1776 to run down1792 reduce1798 recede1810 to run off1816 to go down1823 attenuatea1834 ease1876 downscale1945 the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > become less violent or severe [verb (intransitive)] > lose vigour or intensity swindOE wane1297 forslacka1300 keelc1325 deadc1384 abatea1387 flag1639 to go off1642 subsidea1645 slacken1651 flat1654 lower1699 relax1701 deaden1723 entame1768 sober1825 lighten1827 sletch1847 slow1849 languish1855 bate1860 to slow up1861 to slow down1879 1701 N. Rowe Ambitious Step-mother iv. i This raging Fit of Honour will relax. 1791 W. Bartram Trav. (1792) i. v. 50 The tempest now relaxed, its impetus being spent. 1823 J. Badcock Domest. Amusem. 47 When our warm weather comes on early, and does not too soon relax. 1864 B. Disraeli Revolutionary Epick (rev. ed.) ii. xxiii. 108 This emprise Will not relax until the sun shall rise On men who bless his birth. 1911 J. M. Barrie Peter & Wendy xiv. 206 His dogs thinking him out of the way for a time, discipline instantly relaxed. 1941 Wakefield (Mich.) News 20 June 6/1 His anger relaxed a little. 2008 L. Prono Encycl. Gay & Lesbian Pop. Culture 258 [Tom of Finland's drawings] became increasingly explicit as censorship laws relaxed. 7. intransitive. Chiefly Physics. To return towards a state of equilibrium; to undergo relaxation (relaxation n. 6). ΘΚΠ the world > time > change > change to something else, transformation > change of direction, reversion > revert [verb (intransitive)] > to former state or condition to turn againc1325 returnc1405 resorta1438 revert?a1513 to pass and repass1548 refall1570 relapse1593 unhappen1805 react1841 involute1904 relax1934 reset1946 the world > matter > physics > mechanics > dynamics > statics > [verb (intransitive)] > return to equilibrium relax1934 1934 Proc. Royal Soc. A. 145 718 When not in equilibrium this balance is disturbed in such a direction that the alloy relaxes towards the equilibrium state. 1972 Physics Bull. Aug. 451/3 The electronic spins, initially unpolarized, relax slowly towards their equilibrium polarization. 1978 Sci. Amer. Sept. 124/2 Regular patterns of differential extinction..have occurred as the supersaturated faunas of 13 species of small flightless mammals have relaxed toward the smaller number of species that are appropriate to particular mountaintops. 2005 Nature 19 May 281/3 At this energy..the vibrating chain begins to explore its possible states ergodically and relaxes slowly into equilibrium. This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2009; most recently modified version published online March 2022). < n.1597adj.1605v.a1398
随便看	θ167688 θ167689 θ16769 θ167690 θ167691 θ167692 θ167693 θ167694 θ167695 θ167696 θ167697 θ167698 θ167699 θ1677 θ16770 θ167700 θ167701 θ167702 θ167703 θ167704 θ167705 θ167706 θ167707 θ167708 θ167709

relaxn.

relaxadj.

relaxv.