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

Humidified air can help loosen congestion, allowing mucus to be expelled through coughing. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 5 Sep. 2024

Fabric softeners are formulated to reduce static cling, and can help loosen pet hair from clothing and other items. —Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2024

Sit in the sauna for a little while to loosen my muscles, then take a gym shower (yuck). —R29 Team, refinery29.com, 2 Sep. 2024

Then loosen all the rest of the straps at the belt. —Wes Siler, Outside Online, 14 Aug. 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