relax

make less taut

“relax the tension on the rope”

become less tense, rest, or take one's ease

“He relaxed in the hot tub”

become less tense, less formal, or less restrained, and assume a friendlier manner

“our new colleague relaxed when he saw that we were a friendly group”

make less active or fast

“Don't relax your efforts now”

make less severe or strict

“The government relaxed the curfew after most of the rebels were caught”

cause to feel relaxed

“A hot bath always relaxes me”

become loose or looser or less tight

“the rope relaxed”

become less severe or strict

“The rules relaxed after the new director arrived”