# relaxation

/ˌɹiɫækˈseɪʃən/ (US) · /ɹɪlɐksˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/relaxation
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. rest and calm

noun · CEFR B1

the feeling of being calm and resting after work or stress.

For teachers: the state of being free from tension and anxiety; the pursuit of leisure to restore mental or physical well-being.

- I listen to soft music for relaxation after a long day at the office.
- The spa offers a variety of treatments designed specifically for deep relaxation and the reduction of chronic stress levels.

### 2. making rules less strict

noun · CEFR B2 · Formal

the act of making a rule, law, or control less strict.

For teachers: the mitigation or abatement of rigor in the application of laws, rules, or standards.

- The government announced a relaxation of the travel restrictions next month.
- Economists argue that a further relaxation of trade barriers is essential for stimulating cross-border investment in the region.

### 3. physical loosening

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

the process of a muscle or material becoming less tight.

For teachers: the physiological or mechanical process of returning to a state of low tension after contraction or stress.

- These exercises help with the relaxation of the neck muscles.
- The therapist focused on the relaxation of the diaphragm to improve the patient's breathing patterns during recovery.

### 4. energy transition

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the process of an atom or molecule losing energy and returning to a stable state.

For teachers: the transition of a physical system, such as an atom or nucleus, from an excited state to a lower energy state.

- The scientist measured the relaxation time of the molecules after the laser pulse.
- Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging relies on the different relaxation rates of protons in various types of biological tissue.

### 5. musical release

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the part of a piece of music where the tension or excitement goes away.

For teachers: the resolution or release of harmonic or rhythmic tension within a musical composition.

- The song builds up a lot of energy before a sudden relaxation in the chorus.
- The composer uses a series of dissonant chords followed by a slow relaxation into a major key to create a sense of peace.

## Examples

- I listen to soft music for relaxation.
- After a long week at the office, she finds that gardening provides the perfect relaxation.
- The therapist recommended progressive muscle relaxation to help the patient manage chronic stress and improve their overall sleep quality.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.