relax
Definitions
To become less tense, anxious, or worried; to rest
放松，休息；变得不紧张
To make a muscle or part of the body less tense
（使肌肉、身体部位）放松
To make a rule, restriction, or control less strict
放宽，放松（规定、限制、管控）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedre- (back) + lax (loosen, from laxāre) = 'loosen back.' Something tense is let back down to its slack state. The same image works on a muscle (relax your shoulders), a mind (relax after work), and a rule (relax the restrictions) — in each case a tension is eased off.
Root lax still carries 6 more wordsUsage Guide
Relax works both ways: intransitively (you relax — calm down, rest) and transitively (relax the rules, relax a muscle — make something looser). 'Relax!' on its own is a common command meaning 'calm down.' Note 'relax the rules/restrictions' means loosen them, not abolish them.
Example Sentences
- 1.
After a long week, I just want to relax at home with a movie.
- 2.
Take a deep breath and try to relax your shoulders.
- 3.
The government agreed to relax the rules on foreign investment.
- 4.
Don't relax your guard just because things seem quiet.
Synonym Comparison
- relax — let go of tension, in body, mind, or rules: relax after work
- unwind — relax after stress, emphasis on slowly winding down
- rest — stop activity to recover energy, not necessarily about tension
- chill (out) — informal, relax and stop worrying
- loosen — physical or rule sense only: loosen a screw, loosen restrictions