slacken

[ slak-uhn ]
/ ˈslæk ən /

verb (used with or without object)

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

Origin of slacken

First recorded in 1570–80; slack1 + -en1

OTHER WORDS FROM slacken

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

Example sentences from the Web for slackening

British Dictionary definitions for slackening

slacken
/ (ˈslækən) /

verb (often foll by off)

to make or become looser
to make or become slower, less intense, etc