1 C1 informal
To become less strict or disciplined, allowing standards or rules to become more relaxed.
"Management seemed to lax up on the dress code after the summer survey."
inseparable
lax up
C1 informal inseparable intransitive
To become less strict, disciplined, or rigorous; to relax standards or rules.
In plain English
To stop being so strict and start being more relaxed about rules.
What does "lax up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
'Lax' means slack or not strict; 'lax up' combines the adjective used verbally with 'up' to suggest relaxing control.
Actually means
To stop being so strict and start being more relaxed about rules.
Usage tip
Relatively rare and not widely established as a fixed phrasal verb. Speakers more commonly use 'loosen up', 'ease up', or 'relax'. When used, it typically describes a person or institution relaxing previously strict standards. May be encountered in informal speech.
Words that pair with "lax up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
rules standards discipline schedule enforcement
How to conjugate "lax up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
lax up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
laxes up
he/she/it
Past simple
laxed up
yesterday
Past participle
laxed up
have + pp
-ing form
laxing up
continuous
Hear "lax up" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "lax up" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "lax up"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.