˜yÐÄvlog

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View synonyms for

loosen

[ loo-suhn ]

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)

  1. to become loose or looser (sometimes followed by up ):

    His hold loosened. Your shoes will loosen up with wear.

loosen

/ ˈ±ô³Ü˲õÉ™²Ô /

verb

  1. to make or become less tight, fixed, etc
  2. often foll by up to make or become less firm, compact, or rigid
  3. tr to untie
  4. tr to let loose; set free
  5. often foll by up to make or become less strict, severe, etc
  6. tr to rid or relieve (the bowels) of constipation
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged†2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈ±ô´Ç´Ç²õ±ð²Ô±ð°ù, noun
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Other ˜yÐÄvlog Forms

  • ±ô´Ç´Ç²õIJÔ·±ð°ù noun
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˜yÐÄvlog History and Origins

Origin of loosen1

First recorded in 1350–1400, loosen is from the Middle English word loosnen. See loose, -en 1
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˜yÐÄvlog History and Origins

Origin of loosen1

C14: from loose
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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The government in Bratislava has already loosened legal protections allowing bears to be killed if they stray too close to human habitation.

From

Foreman complained the ropes had been loosened, that his trainer had even drugged him.

From

But Labour grandee Lord Blunkett wants Reeves to "loosen a little the self-imposed fiscal rules", calling them "Treasury orthodoxy and monetarism at its worst".

From

This is a simple one: Merely add a splash of starchy cooking water, plain water or even a bit of stock or broth to help loosen up the richness.

From

But Rutte was deferential to Trump, laughing excitedly at his "jokes" and making sure to let him know how much he appreciated him and it seemed to loosen the president up.

From

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