Definition

Verb: * To reduce one's level of activity, speed, intensity, or effort. It implies a deliberate or necessary decrease from a previous, higher level.

Usage

The verb "slack up" is used to describe the action of becoming less vigorous, intense, or fast. It is often followed by a phrase indicating the area where the reduction occurs (e.g., pace, efforts, work). * It is typically used in informal or general contexts. * It can be used both transitively (with a direct object, e.g., "He slacked up his pace") and intransitively (without a direct object, e.g., "You should slack up").

Examples

• Transitive use:
• Intransitive use:

Advanced Usage

• "to slack up on (something)": To reduce one's effort or attention regarding a specific task or responsibility.
  • You can't slack up on your studies if you want to pass the exam.

Variants and Related Words

• Slacken (verb): A more formal synonym meaning to reduce in speed, intensity, or tightness. (e.g., )
• Slack (verb/adjective): As a verb, it can mean to be lazy or to neglect work. As an adjective, it means loose or not busy. (e.g., )
• Ease up (phrasal verb): A close synonym meaning to reduce pressure, speed, or intensity. (e.g., )

Synonyms

• Slow down
• Ease off
• Reduce speed
• Lessen effort
• Decelerate

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Slack off: This has a stronger connotation of being lazy, negligent, or reducing effort in an undesirable way.
  • His performance has been slipping because he's been slacking off at work.
• Ease up: Often interchangeable with "slack up," but can also imply becoming less strict or severe.
  • The teacher refused to ease up on the deadline.

Verb

1. make less active or fast
   • He slackened his pace as he got tired
   • Don't relax your efforts now