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Definition of loosen

loosen

/ˈluː.sən/
loos · en
Adverb:loosely
•
Adjective:loose
•
Past Simple:loosened
•
Past Participle:loosened
•
Present Participle:loosening
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loosen Lexical Profile

loosen Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make or become less tight, firm, or securely fastened.

Example

"He had to loosen his necktie after sitting in the warm conference room for two hours."

2

To make or become less strict, rigid, or severe (of rules, controls, or restrictions).

Example

"The central bank decided to loosen credit restrictions in an effort to stimulate economic growth."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for loosen
Antonyms
View all antonyms for loosen

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'loosen' (always a verb meaning to make less tight) with 'loose' (most commonly an adjective meaning not tight, or a verb meaning to set free) or 'lose' (a verb meaning to misplace or fail to win).

• Rhymes for loosen

• Nearby Words

loosebox
loosejaw
loosely
loosen
looseness
loosestrife
loot

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in Middle English as 'lousnen' from the adjective 'loose' (borrowed from Old Norse 'lauss', meaning 'free' or 'unattached') plus the verb-forming suffix '-en'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Loosen. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/loosen
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