Meaning & Definition of word "Loosen"
to
Loosen
/ˈluː.sən/
verb:
- 1. To make or become less tight or tense.
- Example: She decided to loosen her grip on the steering wheel to relax her hands.
- 2. To allow something to become less strict or severe.
- Example: The school administration decided to loosen the dress code for the winter season.
- 3. To remove restraints or restrictions.
- Example: The new policy aims to loosen regulations on small businesses.
- 4. To cause something to become less rigid or solid.
- Example: He used warm water to loosen the clogged drain.
- 5. To free from confinement or restraint.
- Example: They planned to loosen the bonds that held the captured animal.
Etymology
Middle English: from loose + -en
Common Phrases and Expressions
loosen the reins:
To reduce control or restrictions in a situation.
loosen up:
To become more relaxed or less tense.
loosen one's belt:
To relax one's standards or expectations.
Related Words
loose:
Not tight or firmly fixed.
loosening:
The act of making something less tight.
looseness:
The quality of being loose.
Slang Meanings of loosen
Meaning: To relax or chill out.
Example Sentence: After a long week, I just want to loosen and hang out.
Meaning: To loosen up, especially in social situations.
Example Sentence: He had a few drinks to loosen his nerves before the presentation.