loosen
Americanverb (used with object)
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to unfasten or undo, as a bond or fetter.
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to make less tight; slacken or relax.
to loosen one's grasp.
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to make less firmly fixed in place.
to loosen a tooth.
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to let loose or set free from bonds, restraint, or constraint.
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to make less close or compact in structure or arrangement.
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to make less dense or coherent.
to loosen the soil in a garden.
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to relax in strictness or severity, as restraint or discipline.
to loosen restrictions on trade.
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to relieve (the bowels) of their constipated condition.
verb (used without object)
verb
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to make or become less tight, fixed, etc
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(often foll by up) to make or become less firm, compact, or rigid
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(tr) to untie
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(tr) to let loose; set free
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(often foll by up) to make or become less strict, severe, etc
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(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.
Trump may have been aware that talks were already underway involving Egyptian and Turkish intermediaries to try to convince the Iranians to loosen their grip on the Strait of Hormuz, Bishop said.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026
Some countries have already announced domestic price caps or cut fuel taxes, while others are pushing for the EU to loosen its carbon-emissions trading scheme and to alter how electricity prices are set.
From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026
It frequently disagrees with Meta's rulings, but the company has nevertheless continued to loosen its approach to policing content, raising questions about how much power the board actually wields.
From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026
It’s a dish that demands you loosen up — lean in, risk the stain, share the strand.
From Salon • Feb. 14, 2026
I turn away and count and breathe, count and breathe, trying to loosen the tangled lump, determined not to let anything mess with my calm.
From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam
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.
