loosen (loosens 3rd person present) (loosening present participle) (loosened past tense & past participle )
1 verb If someone loosens restrictions or laws, for example, they make them less strict or severe., (Antonym: tighten)
Drilling regulations, too, have been loosened to speed the development of the fields. V n
loosening n-sing usu N of n
Domestic conditions did not justify a loosening of monetary policy.
2 verb If someone or something loosens the ties between people or groups of people, or if the ties loosen, they become weaker.
The Federal Republic must loosen its ties with the United States... V n
The deputy leader is cautious about loosening the links with the unions... V n
The ties that bind them together are loosening. V
3 verb If you loosen your clothing or something that is tied or fastened or if it loosens, you undo it slightly so that it is less tight or less firmly held in place., (Antonym: tighten)
Loosen the bolt so the bars can be turned... V n
Her hair had loosened and was tangled around her shoulders. V
4 verb If you loosen something that is stretched across something else, you make it less stretched or tight.
Insert a small knife into the top of the chicken breast to loosen the skin. V n
5 verb If you loosen your grip on something, or if your grip loosens, you hold it less tightly.
(=relax) (Antonym: tighten)
Harry loosened his grip momentarily and Anna wriggled free... V n
When his grip loosened she eased herself away. V
6 verb If a government or organization loosens its grip on a group of people or an activity, or if its grip loosens, it begins to have less control over it.
(=relax)
There is no sign that the Party will loosen its tight grip on the country... V n
The Soviet Union's grip on Eastern Europe loosened. V loosen up
1 phrasal verb If a person or situation loosens up, they become more relaxed and less tense.
Young people often loosen up on the dance floor... V P
I think people have loosened up their standards. V P n
2 phrasal verb If you loosen up your body, or if it loosens up, you do simple exercises to get your muscles ready for a difficult physical activity, such as running or playing football.
Squeeze the foot with both hands, again to loosen up tight muscles... V P n (not pron)
Close your eyes. Relax. Let your body loosen up. V P, Also V n P
