slacken
slack·en
verb \ˈsla-kən\slack·enedslack·en·ing\ˈsla-kən-iŋ\
Definition of SLACKEN
transitive verb
1
: to make less active : slow up <slacken speed at a crossing>
2
: to make slack (as by lessening tension or firmness) <slacken sail>
intransitive verb
1
: to become slack or slow or negligent : slow down
2
: to become less active : slack
See Examples of SLACKEN
- Sales show no sign of slackening.
- As he began to relax, his grip on the steering wheel slackened.
- The captain ordered us to slacken the sails.
First Known Use of SLACKEN
14th century
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Previous Word in the Dictionary: slack coal
All Words Near: slacken
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