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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 news also illustrated the challenge for Germany in trying to loosen deep economic ties with China, said Brzeski.
He waves his hand, and my burning restraints loosen enough to fall in a pile at my ankles.
The copy of Hixby’s Guide began to slip from her loosening grasp.
At that point Mama would pick the chicken up and drop it into boiling water, which would loosen the feathers so that she could pull them off.
Macron has made promoting homegrown players and loosening some European rules a core of his tech policy.
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