Dictionary
loosen
verb loos·en \ˈlü-sən\
: to make (something) less tight or firm : to make (something) loose or looser
: to become less tight or firm : to become loose or looser
: to become or to cause (something) to become less strict
loos·enedloos·en·ing \ˈlüs-niŋ, ˈlü-sən-iŋ\
Full Definition of LOOSEN
transitive verb
1
: to release from restraint
2
: to make looser <loosened his tie> <loosen a screw>
3
: to relieve (the bowels) of constipation
4
: to cause or permit to become less strict —often used with up <loosened the rules>
intransitive verb
: to become loose or looser
See loosen defined for English-language learners
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First Known Use of LOOSEN
14th century
LOOSEN Defined for Kids
loosen
verb loos·en \ˈlü-sən\
loos·enedloos·en·ing
Definition of LOOSEN for Kids
: to make or become less tight or firmly fixed <Can you loosen this screw?> <His grip loosened.>
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