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’.