loosen

/lˈuːsən/

/ˈɫusən/

to loosen

MAIN VERB

cause to become loose

synonyms : undo

the exploitation of black people (especially with regard to stereotyped roles in movies)

made clean by scrubbing

make loose or looser

synonyms : loose

antonyms : stiffen

become loose or looser or less tight

synonyms : loose

antonyms : stiffen

make less dense

disentangle and raise the fibers of

synonyms : tease

become less severe or strict

synonyms : relax

make less severe or strict

synonyms : relax

Examples

1. The government has loosened its hold on the media considerably.

2. She finally loosened her tie after a long day at work.

3. Sanctions have failed to loosen his grip on power.

4. Please hand me the wrench so I can loosen the bolt.