slackening

Noun

WordNet 3.0

an occurrence of control or strength weakening“the relaxation of requirements”“the loosening of his grip”“the slackening of the wind”Synonyms: relaxation loosening

Slack \Slack\, Slacken \Slack"en\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Slacked, Slackened; p. pr. & vb. n. Slacking, Slackening.] [See Slack, a.]

1.To become slack; to be made less tense, firm, or rigid; to decrease in tension; as, a wet cord slackens in dry weather. [1913 Webster]

2.To be remiss or backward; to be negligent. [1913 Webster]

3.To lose cohesion or solidity by a chemical combination with water; to slake; as, lime slacks. [1913 Webster]

4.To abate; to become less violent. [1913 Webster]

Whence these raging fires Will slacken, if his breath stir not their flames.— Milton.[1913 Webster]

5.To lose rapidity; to become more slow; as, a current of water slackens. [1913 Webster]

6.To languish; to fail; to flag. [1913 Webster]

7.To end; to cease; to desist; to slake. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

That through your death your lineage should slack.— Chaucer.[1913 Webster]

They will not of that firste purpose slack. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster] Slack