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loosen
[loo-suhn]
verb (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)
to become loose or looser (sometimes followed byup ).
His hold loosened. Your shoes will loosen up with wear.
loosen
/ ˈluːsən /
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
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of loosen1
Example Sentences
The nation’s top environmental agency has spent the last several months loosening regulations that govern air and water quality, electric vehicle initiatives, pollution monitoring and greenhouse gas reporting, among other changes.
She called on Reeves to pay down the UK's debt to GDP ratio by loosening the fiscal rules and funding industrial renewal in her November budget.
The social media giants have also taken measures to loosen content moderation on their platforms which Republicans had claimed amounted to a violation of free speech.
The rise of cable loosened the networks’ chokehold on TV news and entertainment in the late 20th century.
A conservative Texas-based company, Clear Channel, owned about 50 radio stations before the law — and quickly grew to more than 1,000 after the caps were loosened.
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