loosen

loosen

verb

Definition of LOOSEN

1

to make less taut <the lead climber loosened the climbing rope so that the other climber could have more room to maneuver>

Synonyms ease, loosen, relax, slack

Related Words detach, free, unbind, undo, unfasten, untie

Near Antonyms attach, bind, fasten, tie; constrain, restrain

Antonyms strain, stretch, tense, tension, tighten

2

to set free (as from slavery or confinement) <the secret police have ways of loosening your tongue>

Synonyms discharge, disenthrall (also disenthral), emancipate, enfranchise, enlarge, liberate, loose, loosen, manumit, release, spring, unbind, uncage, unchain, unfetter

Related Words bail (out), deliver, parole, ransom, redeem, rescue, save; adrift, disembarrass, disencumber, disengage, disentangle, extricate; unshackle

Near Antonyms handcuff, manacle, shackle, trammel; commit, immure, imprison, incarcerate, intern, jail, lock (up); conquer, enslave, subdue, subjugate

Antonyms bind, confine, enchain, fetter, restrain

3

to set free (from a state of being held in check) <the well-known fact that alcohol tends to loosen a person's inhibitions>

Synonyms loose, loosen, uncork, unleash, unlock, unloose, unloosen

Related Words discharge, emancipate, enfranchise, free, liberate, manumit, spring, unbind, uncage, unchain, unfetter, unmoor, unshackle; air, express, take out, vent

Near Antonyms handcuff, manacle, shackle, trammel; bind, confine, enchain, fetter; halter, hamper

Antonyms bridle, check, constrain, contain, control, curb, govern, hold, inhibit, regulate, rein (in), restrain, smother, tame