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1. Dictionary

   loosen

   /ˈluːsn/

   verb

   • 1. make (something tied, fastened, or fixed in place) less tight or firm: "loosen your collar and tie" Similar make slackslackenslackunstickunfastendetachreleasedisconnectundounclaspunlatchunboltunfastenundoreleaseunhookslackenlet outOpposite tightentighten
   • ▪ relax (one's grip or muscles): "he loosened his hold so she could pull her arms free" Similar become slackslackenbecome looselet gounbindeasework loosework freeweakenrelaxslackenlooselessenreducemoderatediminishsoftenalleviatediluteOpposite tightentighten
   • ▪ become relaxed or less tight: "the stiffness in his shoulders had loosened" Similar relaxbecome relaxedunwindease up/offbecome less rigidinformal:let uphang looselighten upgo easy
   • ▪ (with reference to the bowels) make or become relaxed prior to excretion: "his bowels loosened in terror"
   • 2. make less strict: "his main mistake was to loosen monetary policy"
   • ▪ make (a connection) less strong: "he wanted to strengthen rather than loosen union links"

   Scrabble Points: 6

   • L

     1

   • O

     1

   • O

     1

   • S

     1

   • E

     1

   • N

     1

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