verb (used with object) 1.to unfasten or undo, as a bond or fetter.
2.to make less tight; slacken or relax: to loosen one's grasp.
3.to make less firmly fixed in place: to loosen a tooth.
4.to let loose or
set free from bonds, restraint, or constraint.
5.to make less close or compact in structure or arrangement.
6.to make less dense or coherent: to loosen the soil in a garden.
7.to relax in strictness or severity, as restraint or discipline: to loosen restrictions on trade.
8.to relieve (the bowels) of their constipated condition.
verb (used without object) 9.to become loose or looser (sometimes followed by
up ):
His hold loosened. Your shoes will loosen up with wear.
00:10
Loosen
is one of our favorite verbs.
So is hornswoggle. Does it mean:
So is peculate. Does it mean:
So is fletcherise. Does it mean:
Origin: 1350–1400; Middle English loosnen. See
loose,
-en1 Related forms loos·en·er, noun