détendent

Détendent is the third-person plural present indicative form of the French verb détendre. Détendre means to loosen or relax, to relieve tension. In this form it translates as “they relax” or “they loosen,” depending on the object of the action.

Etymology and usage notes: The verb détendre comes from the prefix de- combined with tendre, which relates to stretching. The figurative sense shifted from physical loosening to reducing mental or emotional tension as well as physical relaxation. Détendent is used with a direct object, as in ils détendent les muscles, or with a figurative object, as in ils détendent l’atmosphère.

Usage and examples: Common constructions include détendre les muscles, détendre l’atmosphère, and détendre les nerfs. The reflexive form se détendre means to relax oneself. In everyday French, détendre is frequently used in medical, sports, and social contexts to describe actions that relieve strain or foster a calmer mood. The meaning can vary from physically loosening a part of the body to easing mood or atmosphere.

Related forms: Détendre belongs to the verb group that conjugates regularly in many tenses, with the related noun détente meaning relaxation or easing of tension, and the related reflexive form se détendre focusing on personal relaxation.