Definition of Rest

Noun: rest rest

Something left after other parts have been taken away
"he threw away the rest";
- remainder, balance, residual, residue, residuum
Freedom from activity (work, strain or responsibility)
"took his rest by the swimming pool";
- ease, repose, relaxation
A pause for relaxation
"people actually accomplish more when they take time for short rests";
- respite, relief, rest period
A state of inaction
"a body will continue in a state of rest until acted upon"
A euphemism for death (based on an analogy between lying in a bed and in a tomb)
"she was laid to rest beside her husband";
- eternal rest, sleep, eternal sleep, quietus
A support on which things can be put
"the gun was steadied on a special rest"
A musical notation indicating a silence of a specified duration

Verb: rest rest

Not move; be in a resting position
Take a short break from one's activities in order to relax
- breathe, catch one's breath, take a breather
Give a rest to
"He rested his bad leg"; "Rest the dogs for a moment"
Have a place in relation to something else
"The responsibility rests with the Allies";
- lie
Be at rest
Be in the same place or state for an extended period of time
"rest assured";
- stay, remain
Be inherent or innate in;
- reside, repose
Put something in a resting position, as for support or steadying
"Rest your head on my shoulder"
Sit, as on a branch
"The birds rested high in the tree";
- perch, roost
Rest on or as if on a pillow
"rest your head";
- pillow
Be inactive, refrain from acting
"The committee is resting over the summer"