loose

²loose

verb \ˈlüs\

loosedloos·ing

Definition of LOOSE

transitive verb

1

a : to let loose (see ¹loose): release b : to free from restraint

2

: to make loose : untie <loose a knot>

3

: to cast loose : detach

4

: to let fly : discharge

5

: to make less rigid, tight, or strict : relax

intransitive verb

: to let fly a missile (as an arrow) : fire

Examples of LOOSE

1. The soldiers loosed a volley of rifle fire.
2. <the archers loosed a great volley of arrows at the foot soldiers charging towards them>

Origin of LOOSE

(see ¹loose)

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to LOOSE

Synonyms: blast, discharge, fire, shoot, squeeze off

Antonyms: bottle (up), repress, suppress

Related Words: launch, project; blaze (at), snipe (at); cast, catapult, fling, heave, hurl, hurtle, lob, pelt, pitch, sling, throw, toss

Near Antonyms: control, govern, handle, manage; bridle, check, constrain, contain, curb, hold back, pull in, quell, rein (in), restrain, smother, tame; allay, lull, quiet, soothe, still; choke, inhibit, muffle, pocket, repress, stifle, strangle, swallow

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide