loosen

Everyday

1. To make something less tight, firm or fixed: «loosen your belt», «loosen a screw». tree →
2. To become less tight. tree →
3. To make rules or control less strict. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life: loosen shoelaces, a jar lid or a tie. In first aid, loosen tight clothing around the neck of someone who feels faint. In science and DIY, you loosen screws by turning them anticlockwise. Phrases: «loosen up» (relax), «loosen your grip», «loosen a knot».

Examples

• Loosen your shoelaces before you take off your shoes. tree →
• Dad loosened the lid of the jar. tree →
• Turn the screw anticlockwise to loosen it. tree →
• My tooth has loosened; it might fall out soon. tree →
• Loosen tight clothing if someone feels faint. tree →
• Shake your arms to loosen up before the race. tree →
• Lots were drawn, and one fell upon our Prince, whose chains were immediately loosened. tree →

Note

Past: loosened. Opposite: tighten. Do not confuse «loose» (not tight, rhymes with «goose») with «lose» (not have any more). «Loosen up» means relax.