Dictionary
1rest
noun \ˈrest\
Definition of REST
1
2
a : freedom from activity or labor b : a state of motionlessness or inactivity c : the repose of death
3
: a place for resting or lodging
4
: peace of mind or spirit
5
a (1) : a rhythmic silence in music (2) : a character representing such a silence b : a brief pause in reading
6
: something used for support
— at rest
1
: resting or reposing especially in sleep or death
2
3
: free of anxieties
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Illustration of REST
Origin of REST
Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German rasta rest and perhaps to Old High German ruowa calm
First Known Use: before 12th century
2rest
verb
: to stop doing work or an activity : to spend time relaxing, sleeping, or doing nothing after you have been active or doing work
: to give rest to (someone)
: to stop using (something) so that it can become strong again
Full Definition of REST
intransitive verb
1
a : to get rest by lying down; especially : sleep b : to lie dead
2
: to cease from action or motion : refrain from labor or exertion
3
: to be free from anxiety or disturbance
4
: to sit or lie fixed or supported <a column rests on its pedestal>
5
a : to remain confident : trust <cannot rest on that assumption> b : to be based or founded <the verdict rested on several sound precedents>
6
: to remain for action or accomplishment <the answer rests with you>
7
of farmland : to remain idle or uncropped
8
: to bring to an end voluntarily the introduction of evidence in a law case
transitive verb
1
: to give rest to
2
: to set at rest
3
: to place on or against a support
4
: to cause to be firmly fixed <rested all hope in his child>
5
: to desist voluntarily from presenting evidence pertinent to (a case at law)
— rest·er noun
See rest defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of REST
before 12th century
3rest
noun
Definition of REST
: a projection or attachment on the side of the breastplate of medieval armor for supporting the butt of a lance
Origin of REST
Middle English reste, literally, stoppage, short for areste, from Anglo-French arest, from arester to arrest
First Known Use: 14th century
4rest
noun
Definition of REST
: something that remains over : remainder <ate the rest of the candy>
— for the rest
: with regard to remaining issues or needs
Origin of REST
Middle English, from Anglo-French reste, from rester to remain, from Latin restare, from re- + stare to stand — more at stand
First Known Use: 15th century
REST Defined for Kids
1rest
verb \ˈrest\
rest·edrest·ing
Definition of REST for Kids
1
: to relax, sleep, or refrain from taking part in work or an activity
2
: to refrain from using for a short time
3
: to sit or lie fixed or supported <A house rests on its foundation.>
4
: depend 2 <Success rests on your abilities.>
5
: to lie dead
6
: to fix or be fixed in trust or confidence <My neighbors rested their hopes on their children.>
2rest
noun
Definition of REST for Kids
: something that is left over : remainder <Miss Brandel … let them have recess for the rest of the day. — Barbara Robinson, Best Christmas Pageant>
3rest
noun
Definition of REST for Kids
1
: a state of inactivity during which the body and mind become refreshed
2
: freedom from activity or work <I need a rest from work.>
3
: a state of not moving or not doing anything <The ball was at rest.>
4
: a place for stopping or refraining from activity
5
: a silence in music
6
: a symbol in music that stands for a certain period of silence in a measure
7
: something used for support <a head rest>
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