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Definition of slacken

slacken

/ˈslæk.ən/
slack · en
Adjective:slack
•
Past Simple:slackened
•
Past Participle:slackened
•
Present Participle:slackening
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slacken Lexical Profile

slacken Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make or become looser or less taut (as of a rope, muscle, or grip).

Example

"The sailors had to slacken the ropes as the wind shifted direction."

2

To reduce or diminish in speed, intensity, effort, or activity.

Example

"The runners began to slacken their pace as they approached the steep hill."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for slacken
Antonyms
View all antonyms for slacken

• Rhymes for slacken

• Nearby Words

skywriting
slab
slack
slacken
slacker
slacklining
slackly

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 16th century from the adjective 'slack' (from Old English 'slæc', meaning loose or indolent) combined with the verb-forming suffix '-en'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Slacken. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/slacken
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