relax

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re·lax / riˈlaks/ • v. make or become less tense or anxious: [intr.] he relaxed and smiled confidently | [as adj.] (relaxing) a relaxing vacation. ∎  [intr.] rest or engage in an enjoyable activity so as to become less tired or anxious: the team relaxes with a lot of skiing. ∎  [tr.] cause (a limb or muscle) to become less rigid: relax the leg by bringing the knee toward the chest. ∎  make (something) less firm or tight: Cicely relaxed her hold. ∎  [tr.] make (a rule or restriction) less strict while not abolishing it: they persuaded the local authorities concerned to relax their restrictions.DERIVATIVES: re·lax·er n.

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