loosening

[ˈluːsənɪŋ]

loosening Definition

• 1. the act of making something less tight or firm
• 2. the process of becoming less tight or firm

Using loosening: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "loosening" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The doctor recommended some exercises to help with the loosening of my stiff muscles.

• Example

  The loosening of the soil made it easier to plant the seeds.

• Example

  The loosening of the restrictions on travel allowed people to visit their families again.

loosening Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for loosening

• relaxation
• slackening
• easing
• letting up

Antonyms for loosening

• tightening
• fastening
• securing

Phrases with loosening

• loosening of the tongue

  a tendency to talk more than usual, especially about things that are normally kept secret

  Example

  After a few drinks, he experienced a loosening of the tongue and started telling us all his secrets.

• loosening of the bowels

  diarrhea

  Example

  He had to stay home from work because of a loosening of the bowels.

• loosening of the purse strings

  spending more money than usual or being more generous with money

  Example

  The company's loosening of the purse strings allowed for more investment in research and development.

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Summary: loosening in Brief

The term 'loosening' [ˈluːsənɪŋ] refers to the act of making something less tight or firm, or the process of becoming less tight or firm. It can refer to physical objects like soil or muscles, or to abstract concepts like restrictions on travel. Phrases like 'loosening of the tongue' and 'loosening of the purse strings' extend the meaning to include talking more than usual or being more generous with money.