loosen Hear it!

loosen Definition

loosen (lo̵̅o̅s′ən)

transitive verb, intransitive verb

to make or become loose or looser; specif.,

  1. to free from confinement or restraint; unbind, unfasten, etc.
  2. to make less taut, less compact, etc.

loosen Related Forms
loos′·ener noun
loosen Idioms

loosen up

☆ Informal
  1. to talk freely
  2. to give money generously
  3. to relax
loosen Synonyms

loosen

v.

  1. To make loose

    extricate, release, unfix; see free 1.

  2. To become loose

    relax, slacken, work loose, work free, go slack, break up, let go, become unfastened, become undone, become unstuck*.

    Antonyms tighten*, tighten up, become rigid.

loosen Usage Examples

Object

  • phlegm: Medication is available that can: widen the respiratory passages fight lung infections loosen phlegm relieve anxiety relieve pain.
  • mucus: Most will need daily physiotherapy on their chest which helps to loosen the sticky mucus on the lungs.
  • dirt: In all these cases a soft cloth is used to wipe up the loosened dirt.
  • screw: NOTE: Do not loosen any screw to a point that will allow the instrument to wobble on the mount.
  • rein: You can't have liberal trading rulings without loosening the political reins.

Preposition: over

  • time: As a maintenance note, it's worth checking that these locking screws are secure - they can loosen over time.

Modifying Another Word

  • gently: Then gently loosen all around it with a fork.
  • gradually: After everyone has knocked back a few drinks, tongues gradually loosen, with varying results.
  • carefully: Using your hands, carefully loosen up the root ball.
  • simply: To slide down the pole simply loosen your grip with your hands!
  • then: Then loosen or tighten the top cap bolt with the 5mm Allen key.
  • never: He has been abused and has lived chained up most of his short life and the collar was never loosened.

Followed by an intransitive particle

  • up: He suggests they loosen up with a spot of golf.
  • off: So I had to loosen off all the clips and make each of the bends a little more generous.

Followed by a transitive particle

  • up: The ambition is to loosen up such trading from 2005.
  • off: To fine tune this bearing adjustment, loosen off the 2 stem bolts again.

Particle object:

  • muscle: It may be just what you need to help loosen up those tight muscles.
  • bit: He was hard work, but then things loosened up a bit and we all had a great time.

Preposition: of

  • tooth: Pain, abscess, and loosening of the teeth do not occur until the disease is advanced.