slacken

[ˈslækən]

slacken Definition

• 1. to become slower or less active
• 2. to make something slower or less active

Using slacken: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "slacken" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The rain began to slacken as the storm moved away.

• Example

  He slackened his pace as he approached the finish line.

• Example

  The company's profits have slackened in recent months.

• Example

  She asked him to slacken his grip on her arm.

slacken Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for slacken

• decelerate
• relax
• weaken
• ease up
• slow down

Antonyms for slacken

• accelerate
• hasten
• intensify

Phrases with slacken

• slacken off

  to become less strict or less active

  Example

  After the busy season, work at the office tends to slacken off.

• slacken one's belt

  to reduce one's expenses or standard of living

  Example

  After losing his job, he had to slacken his belt and cut back on his spending.

• slacken the reins

  to allow someone more freedom or control over a situation

  Example

  The manager decided to slacken the reins and let her team take more initiative.

Origins of slacken

from Old English 'sleacian', meaning 'to slacken, delay, be remiss'

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Summary: slacken in Brief

The verb 'slacken' [ˈslækən] means to become slower or less active, or to make something slower or less active. It can refer to physical movement, as in 'He slackened his pace as he approached the finish line,' or to business activity, as in 'The company's profits have slackened in recent months.' 'Slacken' can also be used in phrases like 'slacken off,' meaning to become less strict or less active, and 'slacken one's belt,' meaning to reduce one's expenses or standard of living.