loosen Definition
- 1make something less tight or firm
- 2become less tight or firm
Using loosen: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "loosen" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He loosened his tie and unbuttoned his shirt.
Example
The screws had loosened over time.
Example
She tried to loosen the jar lid with a cloth.
Example
The company is trying to loosen its strict dress code.
loosen Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with loosen
loosen up
to become more relaxed or less formal
Example
We need to loosen up and have some fun.
Example
She loosened her grip on the steering wheel and took a deep breath.
to spend more money than usual, especially when it comes to funding a project or buying something expensive
Example
The government needs to loosen the purse strings and invest in infrastructure.
Origins of loosen
from Old English 'losian', meaning 'be lost, perish'
Summary: loosen in Brief
The verb 'loosen' [ˈluːsən] means to make something less tight or firm or to become less tight or firm. It can refer to physical objects like screws or clothing, as well as abstract concepts like rules or restrictions. Common phrases include 'loosen up,' meaning to become more relaxed or less formal, and 'loosen one's grip,' meaning to reduce the force or pressure of one's hold on something.
