relax

RELAX is a term commonly used to denote the act or state of releasing tension, whether physical, mental, or emotional. In everyday language, to relax means to become less tense or anxious; relaxation refers to the state itself. The word derives from the Latin relaxare, meaning to loosen.

In science and psychology, relaxation describes processes by which a system returns to equilibrium after a disturbance. In physics and engineering, stress relaxation refers to the gradual decrease of stress in a material under constant strain, a phenomenon characteristic of viscoelastic substances. In psychology and medicine, relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, meditation, and other mindfulness practices are used to reduce stress, improve well-being, and influence the body’s stress response, including phenomena described as the relaxation response.

In culture and media, Relax appears as a title or theme in various works. The best-known example is the 1984 single Relax by Frankie Goes to Hollywood, which achieved international chart success and sparked discussion due to its sexually explicit lyrics and censorship debates in some markets.

As an acronym, RELAX has been employed in different contexts to designate programs, initiatives, or projects related to relaxation, stress management, or quality-of-life improvements. The term also appears in titles and branding across entertainment, wellness, and technology, often conveying a goal of ease, calm, or reduction of tension. See also relaxation.