Advertisement
Advertisement
loosen
[ loo-suhn ]
verb (used with object)
- to unfasten or undo, as a bond or fetter.
- to make less tight; slacken or relax:
to loosen one's grasp.
- to make less firmly fixed in place:
to loosen a tooth.
- to let loose or set free from bonds, restraint, or constraint.
- to make less close or compact in structure or arrangement.
- to make less dense or coherent:
to loosen the soil in a garden.
- to relax in strictness or severity, as restraint or discipline:
to loosen restrictions on trade.
- to relieve (the bowels) of their constipated condition.
verb (used without object)
- to become loose or looser (sometimes followed by up ):
His hold loosened. Your shoes will loosen up with wear.
loosen
/ ˈːə /
verb
- to make or become less tight, fixed, etc
- often foll by up to make or become less firm, compact, or rigid
- tr to untie
- tr to let loose; set free
- often foll by up to make or become less strict, severe, etc
- tr to rid or relieve (the bowels) of constipation
Derived Forms
- ˈǴDzԱ, noun
Other 51Թ Forms
- ǴDzIJ· noun
51Թ History and Origins
51Թ History and Origins
Origin of loosen1
Example Sentences
He tells us that he loves the UK audiences and says even though they are "a little more reserved" than US crowds, they have really "loosened up".
The government in Bratislava has already loosened legal protections allowing bears to be killed if they stray too close to human habitation.
Foreman complained the ropes had been loosened, that his trainer had even drugged him.
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".
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.
Advertisement
Related 51Թs
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse