Definition of the word ease off

The phrase "ease off" originated in the late 19th century in the context of driving and navigating horses and carriages. It initially referred to the action of urging a horse or set of horses to slow down, usually by pulling back on the reins or using a verbal command. The roots of the word "ease" can be traced back to Old English and signify relaxation or comfort. The word "off" comes from the Old English word "æfen," meaning "away," indicating the action of moving or removing something. In the context of horse-drawn carriages, a coachman, or driver, would instruct the horses to "ease off" to slow down, as they approached tight turns, especially if the coach or passenger compartment was unbalanced or heavy. "Ease off" also meant to slow down to preserve the comfort and safety of both horses and passengers. The meaning of "ease off" has expanded beyond the literal context of driving horses, and today it is widely used in a variety of contexts to encourage people to relax, slacken their pace, or lessen their intensity, usually in situations where exhalation, or bursts of energy would cause discomfort or harm. This sense has been incorporated into various trades and industries, such as construction, engineering, and sportsmanship, where directing people or equipment to "ease off" is crucial for safety and efficiency.