Loosen

(lōōs'n), v. t. [imp. & p. p. LOOSENED; p. pr. & vb. n. LOOSENING.] [A-S. lēsan, lysan. See LOOSE, v. t.]

1Sense 1. To make loose; to free from tightness, tension, firmness, or fixedness; as, to loosen a string when tied, or a knot; to loosen a joint; to loosen a rock in the earth.

2Sense 2. To render less dense or compact; as, to loosen the earth about the roots of a tree.

3Sense 3. To free from restraint.

It loosens his hands, and assists his understanding. Dryden.

4Sense 4. To remove costiveness from; to facilitate or increase the alvine discharges of.

(loos'n), v. i. To become loose; to become less tight, firm, or compact.