Stopped without starting, and relaxed (5)

I believe the answer is:

eased

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'relaxed' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for eased that I've seen before include "Made less hard" , "Became less painful" , "Calmed" , "Moved carefully" , "Lessened, pain or discomfort, say" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.

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