n.
absence of difficulty or effort.
▸freedom from worries or problems.
v.
- make or become less serious or severe.
▸make (something) easier; facilitate.
- move carefully or gradually.
-
(ease off/up)
do something with more moderation.
▸
(ease something away/down/off)
Nautical slacken a rope or sail slowly or gently.
- (of share prices, interest rates, etc.) decrease in value or amount.
Phrase
Derivative
- easeful adj. (literary).
- easer n.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. aise, based on L. adjacens, adjacere ‘lie close by’.