Slacken

To lessen or reduce in intensity, speed, or activity; to become less tight or tense; to make or become less active, energetic, or vigorous.

Slackening can refer to physical processes like the loosening of a rope or metaphorical ones like the waning of enthusiasm.

It implies a decrease or relaxation from a prior state of intensity, rigidity, or speed. The degree of slackening can vary, ranging from a slight reduction to a complete cessation or collapse.

Slacken meaning with examples

• The wind began to slacken, the waves gradually becoming smaller and the storm's fury began to wane, making sailing much safer for us.
• As the marathon runners neared the finish line, their pace started to slacken, as fatigue began to set in.
• The teacher noticed that the students' attention began to slacken after the long lecture, so she incorporated some more visual aids.
• With the announcement of the economic downturn, the demand for luxury goods began to slacken, impacting the business negatively.
• The guards vigilance seemed to slacken late at night, and the prisoner used that time to escape undetected, into the night.