loosen
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to unfasten or undo, as a bond or fetter.
-
to make less tight; slacken or relax.
to loosen one's grasp.
-
to make less firmly fixed in place.
to loosen a tooth.
-
to let loose or set free from bonds, restraint, or constraint.
-
to make less close or compact in structure or arrangement.
-
to make less dense or coherent.
to loosen the soil in a garden.
-
to relax in strictness or severity, as restraint or discipline.
to loosen restrictions on trade.
-
to relieve (the bowels) of their constipated condition.
verb (used without object)
verb
-
to make or become less tight, fixed, etc
-
(often foll by up) to make or become less firm, compact, or rigid
-
(tr) to untie
-
(tr) to let loose; set free
-
(often foll by up) to make or become less strict, severe, etc
-
(tr) to rid or relieve (the bowels) of constipation
Other Word Forms
- loosener noun
Etymology
Origin of loosen
First recorded in 1350–1400, loosen is from the Middle English word loosnen. See loose, -en 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Since the 1970s - when Britain ended trading agreements that had shored up New Zealand's economy and Australia introduced loosened work and travel restrictions - the outflow of people has surged sporadically.
From BBC
The knot in my chest loosened just a fraction.
From Literature
Like that laughter had helped loosen the last bit inside of me that was wound too tight.
From Literature
In the years since his nuclear weapons programme has grown and the regime's iron grip on every aspect of life has shown no signs of loosening.
From BBC
Winter loosens its grip, but does not disappear.
From Salon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
