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Definition of Loosen
1. Verb. Make loose or looser. "Loosen the tension on a rope"
Generic synonyms: Alter, Change, Modify
Causes: Loose, Relax
Specialized synonyms: Relax, Unbend, Remit, Slacken, Slack, Unscrew, Unscrew
Derivative terms: Loosening, Loosening
Antonyms: Stiffen
2. Verb. Make less severe or strict. "The government relaxed the curfew after most of the rebels were caught"
Generic synonyms: Alter, Change, Modify
Related verbs: Relax
Derivative terms: Relaxation
3. Verb. Become less severe or strict. "The rules relaxed after the new director arrived"
4. Verb. Disentangle and raise the fibers of. "Tease wool"
Generic synonyms: Disentangle, Straighten Out, Unsnarl
Derivative terms: Teaser, Teaser
5. Verb. Cause to become loose. "Loosen the necktie"
Generic synonyms: Alter, Change, Modify
Derivative terms: Loosening, Undoer, Undoing, Untier, Untying
6. Verb. Make less dense. "Loosen the soil"
7. Verb. Become loose or looser or less tight. "The rope relaxed"
Generic synonyms: Weaken
Derivative terms: Loosening, Loosening, Relaxation
Antonyms: Stiffen
Definition of Loosen
1. v. t. To make loose; to free from tightness, tension, firmness, or fixedness; to make less dense or compact; as, to loosen a string, or a knot; to loosen a rock in the earth.
2. v. i. To become loose; to become less tight, firm, or compact.
Definition of Loosen
1. to make looser [v -ED, -ING, -S] - See also: looser
Medical Definition of Loosen
1. 1. To make loose; to free from tightness, tension, firmness, or fixedness; to make less dense or compact; as, to loosen a string, or a knot; to loosen a rock in the earth. "After a year's rooting, then shaking doth the tree good by loosening of the earth." (Bacon) 2. To free from restraint; to set at liberty. "It loosens his hands, and assists his understanding." (Dryden) 3. To remove costiveness from; to facilitate or increase the alvine discharges of. Origin: See Loose. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)