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general::
relax
to rest or do something that is enjoyable after you have been working:
• In the evenings, I like to relax with some music and a nice meal. • In two weeks’ time I’ll be relaxing on a beach in Greece.
rest
to stop working or stop being active, and sit down or lie down so that you become less tired:
• If you’re tired, we’ll stop and rest for a while. • The doctor told me to take some time off work and try to rest.
unwind
to gradually relax after you have been working hard or feeling anxious:
• It had been a bad day and he just wanted to get home and unwind. • Set in spectacular countryside, the Shiga Hotel is the perfect place to unwind.
take it/things easy
to relax and not do very much, especially after working very hard or being ill:
• Now that you’ve finished your exams, you can take it easy. • The doctor said he’ll have to take things easy for while.
put your feet up
informal to rest for a short time after a tiring activity, especially by sitting with your feet resting on something:
• Kate poured herself a drink and put her feet up. • When you’re pregnant and doing a full-time job, you must find time to put your feet up.
chill out/chill
informal to relax completely, or stop worrying and getting annoyed about things - used mainly by young people:
• We spent the day chilling out by the pool. • Hey dude, chill out! It’s only a car! • It’s a great place to chill out. • Let’s go back to my place and chill.
loosen up
informal to become more relaxed and stop worrying about things:
• I keep telling Mum that she needs to loosen up a bit. • Tom had had a few drinks and was beginning to loosen up.
put somebody at ease/make somebody feel at ease
to make someone feel relaxed, especially in a situation in which they might feel a little nervous:
• A good interviewer will try to make you feel at ease. • His friendly manner always puts people at their ease.
Longman-Thesaurus
3
general::
verb ADV. deeply Deeply relax all your muscles. | completely, totally | a little, slightly | just, simply Just relax and take it easy. | gradually, slowly He gradually relaxed and began to enjoy himself. | consciously She realized how tense she was and consciously relaxed. | visibly VERB + RELAX begin to | try to Just try to relax completely. | learn to | help sb (to) Use music to help you relax. | make sb | appear to, seem to Julie seems to be relaxing a little now. PREP. against Jenna relaxed against the pillows. | into His severe expression relaxed into a half-smile. PHRASES lie/sit back and relax, relax and enjoy sth/yourself
Oxford Collocations Dictionary