Definition

1. Verb (intransitive, informal):
   • To relax, to become calm, or to stop being agitated or stressed. It specifically describes the process of transitioning from a state of excitement, anger, or anxiety to a state of tranquility.

Usage

• This verb is intransitive; it does not take a direct object.
• It is primarily used in informal, conversational contexts.
• It often functions as an imperative ("Chill out!") to tell someone to calm down.

Examples

• Verb:
  • You need to chill out; getting angry won't solve the problem.
  • After the stressful meeting, I just want to go home and chill out.
  • He told his friend to chill out and not worry about the small details.

Advanced Usage

• "to chill out": can imply spending time relaxing in an unhurried, informal way.
  • We spent the weekend just chilling out at the beach.

Variants and Related Words

• Chill (verb, informal): A shortened, more casual form meaning to relax or spend time relaxing.
  • Let's just chill at my place tonight.
• Chilled out (adjective, informal): Describes a relaxed, easy-going state or personality.
  • He has a very chilled out attitude towards life.

Synonyms

• Calm down: To become calm after being upset or excited.
• Cool off: To become less angry or excited.
• Relax: To rest and become less tense or anxious.
• Unwind: To relax after a period of work or tension.
• Settle down: To become quiet, calm, or orderly.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Cool down: Similar to "cool off," meaning to become less angry or physically heated.
  • You should cool down after your workout.

Related Idioms

• Take it easy: A common informal phrase advising someone to relax and not exert themselves.
  • You've been working too hard; you should take it easy for a while.

Verb

1. become quiet or calm, especially after a state of agitation
   • After the fight both men need to cool off.
   • It took a while after the baby was born for things to settle down again.