French word

relâcher

Pronunciation

IPA/ʁəlaʃe/

Meaning

  • verbloosen

Example

Peux-tu relâcher un peu la corde ?

Can you loosen the rope a little?

Illustration for relâcher (loosen)

More examples

Après le cours, il est important de relâcher les muscles.

After the class, it is important to relax the muscles.

Core concept

A tightened grip eases, letting tension, pressure, or a held person go.

Common phrases

  • relâcher la tension

    relieve tension

  • relâcher un muscle

    relax a muscle

Similar words

lâcher: To let go of something being held.
desserrer: To loosen a screw, belt, or other fastening.
détendre: To relax the tension in muscles or fabric.
laisser: To leave something as it is without changing or touching it.

Definition in French

Desserrer la tension d'un objet ou d'un muscle ; aussi employer pour mettre en liberté quelqu'un ou alléger une contrainte.

Word origin

Relâcher combines re- with lâcher, a verb inherited through Old French from Latin laxare, meaning 'to loosen' and related to laxus, 'loose'.

Usage tips

  • The reflexive se relâcher often means to let one's guard drop or slacken, rather than simply to become physically loose.

Other meanings

  • releaseverb
  • easeverb

Opposites

Related words

  • relâchérelaxedadjective
  • relâchementrelaxationnoun

Word lists with this word