1
[ verb ] make loose or looser

Synonyms

loose

Examples

"loosen the tension on a rope"

Used in print

(Jay C. Harris and John R. Van Wazer, "Detergent...)

The washing process whereby soils are removed consists basically of applying mechanical action to loosen the dirt particles and dried matter in the presence of water which helps to float off the debris and acts , to some extent , as a dissolving and solvating agent .

2
[ verb ] disentangle and raise the fibers of

Synonyms

tease_apart tease

Examples

"tease wool"

Related terms

disentangle teaser

3
[ verb ] make less dense

Examples

"loosen the soil"

Related terms

change ruffle scarify

4
[ verb ] cause to become loos

Synonyms

untie undo

Examples

"undo the shoelace" "untie the knot" "loosen the necktie"

Related terms

change loosening opener untying

5
[ verb ] become less severe or strict

Synonyms

relax

Examples

"The rules relaxed after the new director arrived"

Related terms

change liberalization

6
[ verb ] make less severe or strict

Synonyms

relax

Examples

"The government relaxed the curfew after most of the rebels were caught"

Related terms

change

7
[ verb ] become loose or looser or less tight

Synonyms

relax loose

Examples

"The noose loosened" "the rope relaxed"

Related terms

stiffen weaken relax relaxation

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