loosen

loos|en [ˈlu:sən] v

1.) [I and T]

to make something less tight or less firmly fastened, or to become less tight or less firmly fastened

≠ ↑tighten

▪ You'll need a spanner to loosen that bolt.

▪ The screws have loosened.

▪ Harry loosened his tie.

2.) [T]

to make laws, rules etc less strict

= ↑relax

≠ ↑tighten

▪ Congress has loosened the restrictions on immigration.

3.) loosen your grip/hold

a) to reduce the control or power you have over someone or something

loosen your grip/hold on

▪ The government has loosened its hold on the media considerably.

b) to start holding someone or something less tightly than you were before

≠ ↑tighten loosen your grip/hold on

▪ He loosened his grip on David's arm.

4.) loosen sb's tongue

to make someone talk more than usual, especially about things they should not talk about

loosen up phr v

1.) to stop worrying and become more relaxed, or to make someone do this

▪ She loosened up after she'd had a drink.

loosen sb<=>up

▪ His welcoming smile helped loosen her up.

2.) if your muscles loosen up, or if something loosens them up, they stop feeling stiff

loosen sth<=>up

▪ A massage will loosen up your joints.