1 B1 neutral
To reduce the effort, pressure, or speed at which you are doing something.
"You've been working non-stop for weeks — you really need to ease up before you burn out."
inseparable
ease up
B1 neutral inseparable intransitive
To relax one's effort or become less harsh, demanding, or intense.
In plain English
To take it easy, try less hard, or stop being so tough on someone.
What does "ease up" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To become less strict, critical, or harsh toward someone.
"Ease up on your sister — she's only just learning how to drive."
inseparable
3 B1 neutral
(Of pain, bad weather, or another unpleasant condition) to become less intense.
"The rain finally eased up around sunset, and we could see the stars."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To ease (reduce tension) upward — as if loosening a tight grip so something can move up freely.
Actually means
To take it easy, try less hard, or stop being so tough on someone.
Usage tip
Very natural in spoken English. Often used as a direct instruction: 'Ease up!' Sometimes followed by 'on': 'Ease up on him — he's doing his best.' Slightly more personal than 'ease off' in tone.
Words that pair with "ease up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
pressure criticism pace workload training rules
How to conjugate "ease up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
ease up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
eases up
he/she/it
Past simple
eased up
yesterday
Past participle
eased up
have + pp
-ing form
easing up
continuous
Hear "ease up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "ease up" 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.