ease

ease [ēz]

n.

[ME ese < OFr aise < VL * adjaces < L adjacens, lying nearby, hence easy to reach: see ADJACENT]

1. freedom from pain, worry, or trouble; comfort

2. freedom from stiffness, formality, or awkwardness; natural, easy manner; poise

3. freedom from difficulty; facility; adroitness [to write with ease]

4. freedom from poverty; state of being financially secure; affluence

5. rest; leisure; relaxation

vt.

eased, easing

1. to free from pain, worry, or trouble; comfort

2. to lessen or alleviate (pain, anxiety, etc.)

3. to make easier; facilitate

4.

a) to reduce the strain, tension, or pressure of or on; loosen; slacken

b) to reduce (the strain, tension, pressure, etc.) on (a rope, sail, etc.)

5. to fit or move by careful shifting, slow pressure, etc. [to ease a piano into place]

vi.

1. to move or be moved by careful shifting, slow pressure, etc.

2. to lessen in tension, speed, pain, etc.

3. to reduce strain, tension, or pressure: often with up, off, etc.

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at ease

1. having no anxiety, pain, or discomfort

2. Mil.

a) in a relaxed position but maintaining silence and staying in place

b) the command to assume this position

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ease out

to tactfully persuade (an employee, tenant, etc.) to leave

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ease the rudder or ease the helm

Naut. to reduce the angle the rudder makes with the fore-and-aft line so that the vessel will turn more gradually

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take one's ease

to relax and be comfortable