to unfasten or undo, as a bond or fetter.

to make less tight; slacken or relax

to loosen one's grasp.

to make less firmly fixed in place

to loosen a tooth.

to let loose or set free from bonds, restraint, or constraint.

to make less close or compact in structure or arrangement.

to make less dense or coherent

to loosen the soil in a garden.

to relax in strictness or severity, as restraint or discipline

to loosen restrictions on trade.

to relieve (the bowels) of their constipated condition.

to become loose or looser (sometimes fol. by up )

His hold loosened. Your shoes will loosen up with wear.

verb

tighten

verb

alleviate , become unfastened , break up , deliver , detach , discharge , disconnect , disengage , disenthrall , disjoin , ease , ease off , emancipate , extricate , free , lax , let go , let out , liberate , loose , loosen , manumit , mitigate , relax , release , separate , slacken , unbar , unbolt , unbuckle , unbutton , unchain , unclasp , undo , unfasten , unfix , unhitch , unhook , unlace , unlash , unlatch , unleash , unlock , unloose , unpin , unscrew , unsnap , unstick , unstrap , untie , untighten , work free , work loose , slip , unbind , unloosen , let up , slack , relieve , unpeg