| 释义 |
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2024loos•en /ˈlusən/USA pronunciation v. - to (cause to) become less tight: [~ + object]to loosen a belt.[no object]His grip loosened.
- to (cause to) become less firmly fixed in place: [~ + object]She twisted the tooth, trying to loosen it.[no object]The tooth loosened on its own.
- to unfasten or undo:[~ + object]He loosened the ropes.
- to relax in strictness:[~ + object]loosening admission standards.
- loosen up, [no object] to become less tense or formal;
relax:His doctor advised him to loosen up a bit.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2024loos•en (lo̅o̅′sən),USA pronunciation v.t. - 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.
v.i. - to become loose or looser (sometimes fol. by up):His hold loosened. Your shoes will loosen up with wear.
- Middle English loosnen. See loose, -en1 1350–1400
Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers:: loosen /ˈluːsən/ vb - to make or become less tight, fixed, etc
- (often followed by up) to make or become less firm, compact, or rigid
- (transitive) to untie
- (transitive) to let loose; set free
- (often followed by up) to make or become less strict, severe, etc
- (transitive) to rid or relieve (the bowels) of constipation
Etymology: 14th Century: from looseˈloosener n |