1 B1 neutral
(Of something unpleasant or intense) to become less strong or severe.
"The storm eased off by mid-afternoon, so we were able to go for a walk."
inseparable
ease off
B1 neutral inseparable transitive/intransitive
To become less intense, severe, or demanding, or to reduce pressure on something.
In plain English
To slow down, relax, or become less strong or hard.
What does "ease off" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To reduce the pressure, effort, or demands that you are placing on someone or something.
"The coach told the team to ease off during training so they'd be fresh for the match on Saturday."
inseparable
3 B2 neutral
To remove something gently by reducing pressure or grip.
"He carefully eased the tight lid off the old jar."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To ease (reduce pressure) so that something slides off — as in easing a tight lid off a jar.
Actually means
To slow down, relax, or become less strong or hard.
Usage tip
Very common in everyday speech. Can describe weather, pain, traffic, or a person's behaviour. When transitive (ease off on something), it means to apply less pressure or reduce the amount of something. Common in British and American English alike.
Words that pair with "ease off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
pressure rain pain traffic tension workload
How to conjugate "ease off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
ease off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
eases off
he/she/it
Past simple
eased off
yesterday
Past participle
eased off
have + pp
-ing form
easing off
continuous
Hear "ease off" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "ease off" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.