verb
    
    -laxes; -laxed; -laxing
    
    to become or to cause (something) to become less tense, tight, or stiff [no obj]
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    [no obj] :to stop feeling nervous or worried
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    [no obj] :to spend time resting or doing something enjoyable especially after you have been doing work
    
    
    
    
    
    to become or to cause (something, such as a rule or law) to become less severe or strict [+ obj]
    
    
    
    
    
    [+ obj] formal :to allow (something, such as your attention or concentration) to become weaker
    
    
    
    [+ obj] chiefly US :to use a chemical treatment on (hair) in order to make it straight or straighter