First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1ease
noun \ˈēz\
: freedom from pain or trouble : comfort of body or mind
: lack of difficulty
: a relaxed and informal way of behaving
Full Definition of EASE
1
: the state of being comfortable: as a : freedom from pain or discomfort b : freedom from care c : freedom from labor or difficulty d : freedom from embarrassment or constraint : naturalness <known for his charm and ease of manner> e : an easy fit
2
: relief from discomfort or obligation
3
: facility, effortlessness <did it with ease>
4
: an act of easing or a state of being eased
— ease·ful \-fəl\ adjective
— ease·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb
— at ease
1
: free from pain or discomfort
2
a : free from restraint or formality <feels most at ease with old friends> b : standing silently (as in a military formation) with the feet apart, the right foot in place, and one or both hands behind the body —often used as a command
See ease defined for English-language learners
See ease defined for kids
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Origin of EASE
Middle English ese, from Anglo-French eise, aise convenience, comfort, ultimately from Latin adjacent-, adjacens neighboring — more at adjacent
Related to EASE
- Synonyms
- alleviation, comfort, release, relief
- Antonyms
- constraint, restraint
2ease
verb
: to free (someone or something) from trouble or worry
: to make (something) less painful
: to make (tension, a problem, etc.) less severe or troubling
easedeas·ing
Full Definition of EASE
transitive verb
1
: to free from something that pains, disquiets, or burdens <trying to ease her of her worries>
2
: to make less painful : alleviate <ease his suffering>
3
a : to lessen the pressure or tension of especially by slackening, lifting, or shifting <ease a spring> b : to maneuver gently or carefully <eased himself into the chair> c : to moderate or reduce especially in amount or intensity <ease a flow>
4
: to make less difficult <ease credit>
5
a : to put the helm of (a ship) alee b : to let (a helm or rudder) come back a little after having been put hard over
intransitive verb
1
: to give freedom or relief
2
: to move or pass slowly or easily —often used with a directional word (as over or up) <the limo eased up in front of the house>
3
a : to become less intense, vigorous, or engaged : become moderate —usually used with up or off <told her staff to ease up a little> <expected the storm to ease off> <ease up on fatty foods> b : to apply less pressure —usually used with up or off <ease up on the accelerator> c : to act in a less harsh manner —usually used with up or off <decided to ease off on enforcement>
See ease defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of EASE
14th century
Related to EASE
- Synonyms
- facilitate, grease, loosen (up), smooth, unclog, pave the way (for)
- Antonyms
- complicate
EASE Defined for Kids
1ease
noun \ˈēz\
Definition of EASE for Kids
1
: freedom from pain or trouble : comfort of body or mind <a life of ease>
2
: lack of difficulty <… a thief might get in with perfect ease … — Washington Irving, “Sleepy Hollow”>
3
: freedom from any feeling of difficulty or embarrassment <She spoke with ease.>
2ease
verb
easedeas·ing
Definition of EASE for Kids
1
: to free from discomfort or worry : relieve <This medicine will ease the pain.>
2
: to make less tight : loosen <She eased up on the rope.>
3
: to move very carefully <He eased himself into the driver's seat.>
Medical Dictionary
ease
verb \ˈēz\
easedeas·ing
Medical Definition of EASE
transitive verb
1
: to free from something that pains, disquiets, or burdens <eased and comforted the sick>
2
: to take away or lessen : alleviate <took an aspirin to ease the pain>
intransitive verb
: to give freedom or relief (as from pain or discomfort) <a hot bath often eases and relaxes>
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