Main Entry: loos·en

Pronunciation: \ˈlü-s^ən\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): loos·ened; loos·en·ing \ˈlüs-niŋ, ˈlü-s^ən-iŋ\

Date: 14th century

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