loosen
- 01 B1 Intermediate
to make something less tight or firm, like a knot or a piece of clothing.
to reduce the tension or tightness of a physical object. Transitive use requiring a direct object.
Simple“He had to loosen his tie because the room was getting very warm.”
In context“The mechanic used a specialized wrench to loosen the rusted bolts that had been stuck for years.”
UsageCommonly used with physical objects like belts, screws, or knots.
- 02 B1 Intermediate
to become less tight or to come apart on its own.
to become loose or unfastened. Intransitive use where the subject undergoes the change.
Simple“The screw had loosened over time, making the chair feel unstable.”
In context“As the hikers climbed higher, the soil under their boots began to loosen, causing several small rocks to tumble down the slope.”
UsageUsed when an object becomes loose without a specific person doing it.
SynonymsslackengivewayAntonyms - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
to make muscles less stiff or to make rules less strict.
to reduce physical tension in the body or to relax the strictness of regulations and controls.
Simple“The athlete did some stretches to loosen her muscles before the race.”
In context“The central bank decided to loosen its grip on interest rates to encourage more consumer spending during the recession.”
UsageOften used figuratively with 'grip', 'control', or 'restrictions'.
Antonymsconstrictstrengthen - 04 C1 Advanced
to let someone or something go free from being held back.
to release from restraint, confinement, or obligation. Often carries a literary or formal tone.
Simple“The prisoner was finally loosened from his chains after the war ended.”
In context“The poet sought to loosen the bonds of traditional meter, experimenting with a more fluid and natural style of verse.”
UsageFrequently used in the passive voice or in poetic contexts.
From loose + -en.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.