slacken Hear it!

slacken definition

slacken (slak′ən)

intransitive verb

  1. to become less active, intense, brisk, etc. slackening trade
  2. to become less tense; loosen, as rope

Etymology: < slack

transitive verb

  1. to reduce the intensity or severity of; retard; abate; moderate
  2. to reduce the tension of; relax; loosen to slacken one's grip

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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