English Explanatory Dictionary

loosen

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To make loose.
  2. To become loose.
  3. To disengage (a device that restrains).
  4. To become unfastened or undone.
  5. To free from restraint; to set at liberty.
  6. To relieve (the bowels) from constipation; to promote defecation.
  7. To create a breach or rift between (two parties).
  8. To sail away (from the shore).

Pronunciation

/ˈluːsn̩/ En-us-loosen.ogg

Word forms

loosen loosens loosening loosened

Etymology

From loose + -en.

Synonyms

loosen relax slacken untighten ease undo unfasten liberate release set free put out

Antonyms

tighten

Related words

loose unloosen lose

Derived words

loosenable loosener loosen one's tongue loosen someone's lips loosen someone's tongue loosen the apron strings loosen the purse strings loosen up overloosen reloosen
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