transitive verb

1. to make looser, or less firm or tense to relax one's grip
2. to make less strict or severe; soften to relax discipline
3. to abate; reduce; slacken to relax one's efforts
4. to release from intense concentration, hard work, worry, etc.; give rest to to relax the mind
5. to treat (tightly curled hair) with a chemical solution so as to loosen the curls

Etymology: ME relaxen, to loosen < L relaxare < re-, back + laxare, to loosen, widen < laxus, loose: see lax

intransitive verb

1. to become looser or less firm, as the muscles
2. to become less tense or stern, as one's features
3. to become less strict, or milder, as discipline
4. to become easier, or less stiff, in manner
5. to rest from effort, worry, or work, as by lying down, engaging in recreation, etc.