Loosen

/ˈluː.sən/

Meaning & Definition

verb
To make or become less tight or tense.
She decided to loosen her grip on the steering wheel to relax her hands.
To allow something to become less strict or severe.
The school administration decided to loosen the dress code for the winter season.
To remove restraints or restrictions.
The new policy aims to loosen regulations on small businesses.
To cause something to become less rigid or solid.
He used warm water to loosen the clogged drain.
To free from confinement or restraint.
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

To relax or chill out.
After a long week, I just want to loosen and hang out.
To loosen up, especially in social situations.
He had a few drinks to loosen his nerves before the presentation.