Loosen | Mean of loosen in English Dictionary

/ˈluːsn̩/

• Verb
• to make (something) less tight or firm
1. He used a spade to loosen the soil.
2. She loosened the cake from the sides of the pan.
3. loosen a screw
4. After eating so much I had to loosen my belt.
5. When the meeting was over he loosened his tie.
6. She loosened her grip/hold on the rope. [=she began to hold the rope less tightly]
7. He has loosened his grip/hold on the company.
• to become less tight or firm
1. One of the screws had loosened a bit and had to be tightened.
2. Her grip loosened.
• to become or to cause (something) to become less strict
1. We want to loosen (up) the controls/restrictions that the law has imposed.
2. Each generation seems to loosen the established standards of behavior.
3. Standards of behavior seem to be loosening everywhere.

• to cause someone to talk more freely
1. Drinking alcohol can loosen your tongue.
• to make or become less tense
1. He loosens up by exercising.
2. After a couple of drinks she had loosened up and was talking freely.
3. He seemed nervous and his friends kept telling him to loosen up.
• to cause (someone or something) to relax
1. He exercises to loosen up his muscles. [=he exercises so that his muscles are not stiff]
2. I tried to loosen her up [=I tried to get her to relax and feel comfortable] by telling a few jokes.