slackened

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

slack•en /ˈslækən/   v. 

1. to (cause to) become less active, busy, etc.: [no object]
   At last the work slackened a bit.
   [~ + object]
   He never slackened his efforts to improve himself.
2. to (cause to) become looser or less taut: [no object]
   The sails slackened as the wind died down.
   [~ + object]
   to slacken the sails.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

slack•en  (slak′ən), v.t., v.i. 

1. to make or become less active, vigorous, intense, etc.
2. to make or become looser or less taut.

• slack¹ + -en¹ 1570–80

Synonyms

• 1, 2. relax, loosen, slack, abate.

Antonyms

• 2. tighten, tense.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

slacken / ˈslækən/ verb (often followed by off)

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