loosening

loos·en  (lsn)

v. loos·ened, loos·en·ing, loos·ens

v.tr.

1. To untie or make looser.

2. To free from restraint, pressure, or strictness.

3. To free (the bowels) from constipation.

v.intr.

To become loose or looser.

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[Middle English lousnen, losnen, from losen, from los, loose; see loose.]

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	loosening - an occurrence of control or strength weakening; "the relaxation of requirements"; "the loosening of his grip"; "the slackening of the wind" slackening, relaxation weakening - becoming weaker thaw - a relaxation or slackening of tensions or reserve; becoming less hostile; "the thaw between the United States and Russia has led to increased cooperation in world affairs"
	2.	loosening - the act of making something less tight laxation unfastening, untying, undoing - loosening the ties that fasten something; "the tying of bow ties is an art; the untying is easy" modification, adjustment, alteration - the act of making something different (as e.g. the size of a garment) tightening - the act of making something tighter; "the tightening of economic controls"