Definition of ease verb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

ease

verb

iːz

iːz

1 [intransitive, transitive] to become or to make something less unpleasant, painful, severe, etc.

Synonym

alleviateThe pain immediately eased.ease something This should help ease the pain.The plan should ease traffic congestion in the town.It would ease my mind (= make me less worried) to know that she was settled.2 [intransitive, transitive] to move, or to move somebody/something, slowly and carefully+ adverb/preposition He eased slowly forwards.ease somebody/something + adverb/preposition She eased herself into a chair.He eased off (= took off) his shoes.3 [transitive] ease something to make something easierRamps have been built to ease access for the disabled.4 [transitive, intransitive] ease (something) to make something or to become less tight and more relaxed

Synonym

relaxEase your grip on the wheel a little.5 [intransitive, transitive] ease (something) to become or make something lower in price or value

Synonym

reduceShare prices eased back from yesterday's levels.

Phrasal verbs

ease into something

ease yourself/somebody into something

to become or help somebody to become familiar with something new, especially a new jobIt will take a little time for him to ease himself into his new role.

ease off

ease off something

to become or make something become less strong, unpleasant, etcWe waited until the traffic had eased off.Ease off the training a few days before the race.

ease somebody out (of something)

to force somebody to leave a job or position of authority, especially by making it difficult or unpleasant for them over a period of time

ease up

1 to reduce the speed at which you are travelling2 to become less strong, unpleasant, etc.