loosened

• Beschreibt etwas, das weniger fest, straff oder streng gemacht wurde; meist im Sinne von gelockert, aufgebunden oder befreit.

Describes something that has been made less tight, firm, or strict.

1. Made less tightB1formal

   Having been loosened so that it is no longer tight or binding.

   Gelockert

   • The loosened belt hung around his waist.
   • She adjusted the loosened screws on the chair.
   • The loosened knot finally came undone.

   Synonymerelaxedslackundoneunfasteneduntied

   Antonymefastenedtauttight

2. Relaxed or less strictB2formal

   Having become less rigid, severe, or controlled.

   Gelockert

   • His loosened grip on the steering wheel made the drive smoother.
   • The loosened rules allowed for more creative freedom.
   • A loosened dress code made the office feel friendlier.

   Synonymeeasedlooserelaxedslacksoftened

   Antonymehardenedintensifiedstrict

3. Straightened outB2informal

   Having been untangled, freed from a tangled or confused state.

   Entwirrt

   • After a few tugs, the loosened necklace chain lay straight.
   • The loosened cables were rerouted neatly.
   • He worked until every loosened thread in the argument was clarified.

   Synonymedisentangleduntangled

• Etwas weniger fest oder straff machen oder lockern; auch: sich lockern oder nachgeben.

To make something less tight or firm, or to become less tight or firm.

1. Make less tight or firmB1formal

   To cause something to become less tight, fixed, or firmly held.

   Lockern

   • He loosened his tie after the long meeting.
   • She loosened the jar lid with a cloth.
   • The mechanic loosened the bolts on the wheel.

   Synonymeeaselooserelaxreleaseslacken

   Antonymetighten

2. Make less strict or severeB2formal

   To reduce the strictness, severity, or intensity of rules, restrictions, or control.

   Lockern

   • The government decided to loosen the lockdown restrictions.
   • The teacher loosened the deadline for the assignment.
   • They loosened the rules on dress code at the office.

   Synonymealleviateeaselessenmitigatemoderatereducerelaxslackensoftentemper

   Antonymestiffenstrengthentighten

3. Become less tight or strictB2formal

   To become less tight, fixed, or severe.

   Sich lockern

   • His grip on the rope loosened as he grew tired.
   • The regulations loosened over time.
   • Her muscles loosened after a warm bath.

   Synonymeeaselet uploosen uprelaxslacken

   Antonymeconstrictstiffentighten

4. Disentangle fibersC1formal

   To separate and raise the fibers of a material, such as wool or cotton.

   Fasern auflockern

   • The machine loosens the wool fibers before spinning.
   • She loosened the cotton to make it softer.
   • The process loosens the fibers for better weaving.

   Synonymecardcombflufftease

   Antonymeentanglefeltmattangle

5. Make less denseC1formal

   To reduce the density or compactness of something.

   Auflockern

   • The gardener loosened the soil before planting.
   • He loosened the packed sand with a rake.
   • The mixture loosens the clay for easier molding.

   Synonymeaeratebreak upfluffrarefy

   Antonymecompactcompresscondensepacksolidify

Phrasal-Variantenloosen up