loosen

verb

loos·​en ˈlü-sᵊn 

loosened; loosening ˈlü-sᵊn-iŋ 

ˈlüs-niŋ

transitive verb

1

: to release from restraint

2

: to make looser

loosened his tie

loosen a screw

3

: to relieve (the bowels) of constipation

4

: to cause or permit to become less strict

—often used with up

loosened the rules

intransitive verb

: to become loose or looser

Synonyms

• ease
• relax
• slack
• slacken

Examples of loosen in a Sentence

He used a spade to loosen the soil.

She loosened the cake from the sides of the pan.

After eating so much I had to loosen my belt.

When the meeting was over he loosened his tie.

One of the screws had loosened a bit and had to be tightened.

Each generation seems to loosen the established standards of behavior.

Standards of behavior seem to be loosening everywhere.

Recent Examples on the Web

Both the coach and the student got into a scuffle as the student tried to break free, and eventually the coach loosened his grip. —Greg Wehner, Fox News, 12 June 2024

Disney Look dress code guidelines that famously regulate on-stage costumes, hairstyles, mustaches, beards, sideburns, nail polish and jewelry have been loosened in recent years to introduce more diversity and inclusivity into Disney’s theme parks, workforce and company culture. —Brady MacDonald, Orange County Register, 12 June 2024

Red Flags The bottle lid loosened over our testing period, which isn’t ideal given that the product is pigmented. —Sophie Dodd, Peoplemag, 7 June 2024

By Michael Heath / Bloomberg June 3, 2024 10:55 PM EDT Australia’s military is loosening recruitment criteria to enable non-citizens to join its ranks and help address a personnel shortfall in the defense forces. —Michael Heath / Bloomberg, TIME, 4 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing loosen

• loosen one's collar
• loosen one's grip/hold
• loosen someone's tongue
• loosen the purse strings
• loosen up

Kids Definition

loosen

verb

loos·​en ˈlüs-ᵊn 

loosened; loosening ˈlüs-niŋ 

-ᵊn-iŋ

1

: to set free

2

: to make or become loose or looser

3

: to cause or permit to become less strict

loosened the rules