Slackened Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ชข
slackened
[หslรฆk.ษnd ]
Definitions
reduce tension
To slacken means to make something less tight, tense, or rigid. This can refer to physical objects, like a rope or a belt, or it can describe a reduction in effort or intensity in a more abstract sense.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He slackened the rope to ease the load.
- After the deadline passed, she slackened her focus on the project.
- The teacher decided to slacken the rules for the group presentation.
weaken
To slacken can also mean to weaken or decrease in speed or intensity. It is often used in the context of performance or effort where a person or process slows down.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The team slackened their pace as they approached the end of the race.
- Her enthusiasm began to slacken after the initial excitement.
- The storm slackened overnight, leading to calmer weather.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- In stressful situations, individuals often experience a 'slackening' of tension once the stressor is removed, promoting relaxation.
- Research suggests that taking breaks can lead to a slackening of mental fatigue, improving creativity and problem-solving skills.
- The concept of 'slackening' is used in therapy to describe the gradual easing of emotional burdens.
Physical Fitness
- Athletes often 'slacken' their muscles during warm-downs after intensive training to avoid injury.
- In yoga, slackening refers to the relaxation of the body to help with stretching and improve flexibility.
- In sports terms, slackening might describe a strategic slowdown by a team to maintain control of a game.
Everyday Life
- People may slacken their pace when walking after a long day to rest and catch their breath.
- In home maintenance, slackening the tension on a belt or cable can be crucial for safety and performance.
- During seasons like winter, many individuals tend to slacken their outdoor activities in favor of indoor comforts.
Literature
- The notion of slackening can be found in literature to describe characters who relax into their surroundings or situations.
- In poems, slackening might symbolize the slowing of time or emotional energy as life moves on.
- Authors often use slackening to depict a change in mood or pace, drawing readers into a more relaxed state.
Origin of 'slackened'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Middle English 'slaken', meaning to make or become slow or weak.
- It has Germanic roots, related to the Old Norse word 'slaka', which means to be lazy or negligent.
- The term has been in use for centuries, hinting at a long-standing association with relaxation or reduction in intensity.
The word 'slacken' comes from the Middle English word 'slakken,' which is a derivative of the Old English term 'sloecen,' meaning to loosen or make less tight. The root can be traced back further to Proto-Germanic origins, suggesting a connection to slowness or relaxing tension. It has been used in various contexts related to reducing strain or pressure since at least the 14th century. Over time, its meaning has broadened to include not only physical slackening but also the metaphorical slackening of effort or emotional tension. Thus, 'slacken' has evolved into a versatile verb applied in both tangible and abstract scenarios.