The Collaborative International Dictionary
Ease \Ease\ ([=e]z), v. t. & i. [imp. & p. p. Eased ([=e]zd); p. pr. & vb. n. Easing.] [OE. esen, eisen, OF. aisier. See Ease, n.]
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To free from anything that pains, disquiets, or oppresses; to relieve from toil or care; to give rest, repose, or tranquillity to; -- often with of; as, to ease of pain; to ease the body or mind.
Eased [from] the putting off These troublesome disguises which we wear.
--Milton.Sing, and I 'll ease thy shoulders of thy load.
--Dryden. -
To render less painful or oppressive; to mitigate; to alleviate.
My couch shall ease my complaint.
--Job vii. 1 3. To release from pressure or restraint; to move gently; to lift slightly; to shift a little; as, to ease a bar or nut in machinery.
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To entertain; to furnish with accommodations. [Obs.]
--Chaucer.To ease off, To ease away (Naut.), to slacken a rope gradually.
To ease a ship (Naut.), to put the helm hard, or regulate the sail, to prevent pitching when closehauled.
To ease the helm (Naut.), to put the helm more nearly amidships, to lessen the effect on the ship, or the strain on the wheel rope.
--Ham. Nav. Encyc.Syn: To relieve; disburden; quiet; calm; tranquilize; assuage; alleviate; allay; mitigate; appease; pacify.
Usage examples of "to ease off".
A few more monthsjust a few more monthsand she'd be able to ease off a little.
A jubilant Samm embraced her lovingly, and had to be reminded to ease off so that she could breathe.
They're overloaded right now and the traffic is not likely to ease off for several more months.
She advised Henry to ease off on his trading lest he arouse the cupidity of the hunters at Patamoke.
Tis not a pastime for the young, I would urge thee for example to ease off upon the Raylton lad for the time being, and to concentrate upon thy Sums.
With slow, careful movements, she managed to ease off his blood-soaked shirt, then wet a cloth with hot water and used it to cleanse as much of the dried dirt and caked blood from his face, arms and chest as possible.