loosen

verb

loos·​en ˈlü-sᵊn How to pronounce loosen (audio)
loosened; loosening ˈlü-sᵊn-iŋ How to pronounce loosen (audio)
ˈlüs-niŋ

transitive verb

1
: to release from restraint
2
: to make looser
loosened his tie
loosen a screw
3
: to relieve (the bowels) of constipation
4
: to cause or permit to become less strict
often used with up
loosened the rules

intransitive verb

: to become loose or looser

Examples of loosen in a Sentence

He used a spade to loosen the soil. She loosened the cake from the sides of the pan. After eating so much I had to loosen my belt. When the meeting was over he loosened his tie. One of the screws had loosened a bit and had to be tightened. Each generation seems to loosen the established standards of behavior. Standards of behavior seem to be loosening everywhere.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In a regulatory win for SpaceX, the Federal Communications Commission has decided to loosen radio emission rules for the cellular Starlink system. Michael Kan, PCMAG, 7 Mar. 2025 The prospective partners in Germany's next government are seeking to loosen the nation's rules on running up debt to allow for higher defense spending. arkansasonline.com, 6 Mar. 2025 Recently, this has become easier, with some major platforms loosening their content moderation rules under the guise of free speech. Tamar Mitts, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025 Merz pushed plans this week to loosen his nation’s rules on running up debt to allow for higher defense spending. Raf Casert and Lorne Cook, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for loosen

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of loosen was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Loosen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/loosen. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

loosen

verb
loos·​en ˈlüs-ᵊn How to pronounce loosen (audio)
loosened; loosening ˈlüs-niŋ How to pronounce loosen (audio)
-ᵊn-iŋ
1
: to set free
2
: to make or become loose or looser
3
: to cause or permit to become less strict
loosened the rules

More from Merriam-Webster on loosen

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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