Relaxes grants following student's departure (5)

I believe the answer is:

eases

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'relaxes' is the definition.
(ease can mean to relax or reduce)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for eases that I've seen before include "Makes more comfortable" , "Moves carefully" , "Calms" , "Alleviates, relieves" , "Relieves, lightens" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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