Slackened: meaning, definitions and examples

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slackened

 

[ ˈslæk.ənd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

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

diminish, loosen, relax

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.
Context #2 | Verb

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

dwindle, fade, lessen

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

Translations of the word "slackened" in other languages:

🇵🇹 afrouxado

🇮🇳 कमज़ोर किया हुआ

🇩🇪 gelockert

🇮🇩 longgar

🇺🇦 ослаблений

🇵🇱 poluzowany

🇯🇵 緩んだ

🇫🇷 relâché

🇪🇸 aflojado

🇹🇷 gevşetilmiş

🇰🇷 느슨해진

🇸🇦 مرخى

🇨🇿 uvolněný

🇸🇰 uvoľnený

🇨🇳 放松的

🇸🇮 ohlapnjen

🇮🇸 slakaður

🇰🇿 босатылған

🇬🇪 შებერილი

🇦🇿 sərbəst

🇲🇽 aflojado

Word origin

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.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,922, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.