slacken

[ slak-uhn ]
See synonyms for slacken on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with or without object)
  1. to make or become less active, vigorous, intense, etc.

  2. to make or become looser or less taut.

Origin of slacken

1
First recorded in 1570–80; slack1 + -en1

Other words for slacken

Opposites for slacken

Other words from slacken

  • un·slack·ened, adjective
  • un·slack·en·ing, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use slacken in a sentence

  • But suppose you can't; suppose trade slackens, or Larry takes a notion to a new helper.

    All He Knew | John Habberton
  • If he slackens up you notice a visible reduction in your pancake pile.

    Treading the Narrow Way | R. E. Barrett
  • When prices rise above a certain level, demand slackens or ceases, and prices are inevitably lowered.

    Socialism | John Spargo
  • When the effervescence slackens the clamp is opened and the greater part of the remaining acid run in.

    A Textbook of Assaying: For the Use of Those Connected with Mines. | Cornelius Beringer and John Jacob Beringer
  • It goes up and down, down and up; and not until it slackens a little can reason intervene and bring it to its normal level.

    The Choice of Life | Georgette Leblanc

British Dictionary definitions for slacken

slacken

/ (ˈslækən) /


verb(often foll by off)
  1. to make or become looser

  2. to make or become slower, less intense, etc

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012