Slacken: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when you want to describe reducing the speed, intensity, or effort of something. Often implies a conscious or intentional action.

• The company decided to slacken the work pace to avoid employee burnout.
• He was told to slacken his grip on the rope.

Typically used to describe making something less tight or more relaxed, often in a physical sense. It can also be used metaphorically for reducing constraints.

• Can you loosen this knot? It’s too tight.
• The government plans to loosen the restrictions on small businesses.

Commonly used to suggest someone take a break and release tension, both mentally and physically. It can apply to a broad range of situations.

• After the exam, she decided to relax by watching a movie.
• He told his friend to relax and not worry so much about the situation.

Generally used informally to suggest someone should reduce their effort or stress. It often carries a gentler tone and is used in everyday conversations.

• You need to ease up on the deadlines; the team is under a lot of pressure.
• Hey, ease up! There's no need to shout.

Use this word when talking about making something less tight or intense, like slowing down a pace or reducing effort.

• She slackened her pace as they reached the hill.
• They decided to slacken their grip on the tight budget.

Use this word in the context of slowing down the speed of movement or progress, often used in technical or mechanical scenarios.

• The driver had to decelerate quickly to avoid the accident.
• The train began to decelerate as it approached the station.

This word is used when something is made smaller, less important, or less impressive in amount or quality.

• The medicine helped diminish his pain.
• Her enthusiasm began to diminish after the first hour.

Employ this word when something loses its strength, power, or intensity, typically used in physical, emotional, or metaphorical contexts.

• The illness had weakened him considerably.
• Their resolve began to weaken in the face of mounting challenges.