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

After a “low” point of 26% growth in June, sales in the US have accelerated the past two months—a sign that video games continue to surge in popularity even as quarantines end and travel restrictions loosen.

From Quartz

Together, they show that throughout the coronavirus crisis, the meatpacking industry has repeatedly turned to the agency for help beating back local public health orders and loosening regulations to keep processing lines running.

From ProPublica

Using their wealth and power in the pursuit of profits, corporations led the way in loosening the external constraints that protected workers and other stakeholders against overreaching.

From Fortune

But, with shelter-at-home restrictions loosened so that shows can be shot in studios and on location, networks’ and streamers’ interest in programs produced exclusively remotely “has absolutely cooled off,” said one producer.

From Digiday

The men’s suit business has been in decline for years in the US, thanks to the century-long trend of clothes getting more casual and even the most conservative office places loosening up dress codes.

From Quartz

Two years later, he had released all Soviet dissidents from prison and was beginning to loosen the reins on Soviet bloc countries.

From The Daily Beast

Not even the knowledge gleaned from all the books in the world can loosen the grasp of human sadness.

From The Daily Beast

Add a dash of milk to loosen, although you want the mixture thick.

From The Daily Beast

Past attempts to loosen the grip of taxi cartels have been thwarted by the industry.

From The Daily Beast

Spurred by this success, Austin and Benedetto plan to loosen control over the guest list even more for future events.

From The Daily Beast

With great deliberation and much formality Wu-pom Nai proceeded to loosen the boy's heavy plaits of hair.

From Project Gutenberg

Nothing is more annoying than to have the hair loosen or the head-dress fall off in a crowded ball room.

From Project Gutenberg

They learned to loosen the bark of a tree without breaking it except along one edge.

From Project Gutenberg

If thus used two or three days in succession it will effectually loosen tartar, even of long standing.

From Project Gutenberg

Inside it was a clock, which could be set to run a certain time and then loosen a sort of gunlock.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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