loos·en
(lo͞o′sən)v. loos·ened, loos·en·ing, loos·ens
v.tr.1. To make looser or less tight: loosened his tie; loosened her grip on the rope.
2. To free from restraint, pressure, or strictness: loosened the requirements for graduation.
3. To free (the bowels) from constipation.
v.intr. To become loose or looser: My shoelace has loosened.
Phrasal Verb: loosen up1. To do stretches or light exercise before a more strenuous activity.
2. To become less strict or tense, as in one's demeanor; relax: always loosened up after he got home.
[Middle English lousnen, losnen, from losen, from los, loose; see loose.]
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Adj. | 1. | loosened - straightened out |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
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