loosen

[ loo-suhn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to unfasten or undo, as a bond or fetter.
2. to make less tight; slacken or relax:

   to loosen one's grasp.

3. to make less firmly fixed in place:

   to loosen a tooth.

4. to let loose or set free from bonds, restraint, or constraint.
5. to make less close or compact in structure or arrangement.
6. to make less dense or coherent:

   to loosen the soil in a garden.

7. to relax in strictness or severity, as restraint or discipline:

   to loosen restrictions on trade.

8. to relieve (the bowels) of their constipated condition.

verb (used without object)

1. to become loose or looser (sometimes followed by up ):

   His hold loosened. Your shoes will loosen up with wear.

loosen

/ ˈluːsən /

verb

1. to make or become less tight, fixed, etc
2. often foll by up to make or become less firm, compact, or rigid
3. tr to untie
4. tr to let loose; set free
5. often foll by up to make or become less strict, severe, etc
6. tr to rid or relieve (the bowels) of constipation

Derived Forms

• ˈloosener, noun

Other Words From

• loosen·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of loosen¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, loosen is from the Middle English word loosnen. See loose, -en ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of loosen¹

C14: from loose

Example Sentences

Different transcription initiation sites can become available as a gene is tightened or loosened, and different proteins may be created.

From Science Daily

Many industry groups hope the incoming administration will loosen environmental regulations.

From Science Magazine

But in 1965, Congress loosened immigration restrictions and remade the demographics of this country.

From Los Angeles Times

"Unemployment is likely gradually rising, the labour market is loosening but it remains tight," he said.

From BBC

It comes on the heels of a half-point cut in September when the central bank pivoted to loosen monetary policy after holding rates at a two-decade high to throttle back inflation.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• alleviate
• break up
• ease
• loose
• relax
• slacken
• undo
• unlock
• unscrew
• untie