loosening

• Sustantivo que denota la acción o el proceso de aflojar algo, haciéndolo menos tenso, firme o estricto, o un caso de relajación del control o la fuerza.

A noun referring to the act or process of making something less tight, firm, or strict, or an instance of control or strength weakening.

1. Weakening of control or strengthB2formal

   An occurrence where control, restrictions, or strength become less strict or powerful.

   aflojamiento

   • The loosening of trade regulations boosted the economy.
   • There was a gradual loosening of the dictator's grip on power.
   • The loosening of safety standards led to several accidents.

   Sinónimosabatementeasingletupmitigationmoderationreductionrelaxationslackeningweakening

   Antónimoshardeningreinforcementstrengtheningtightening

2. Act of making less tightB1formal

   The act of making something physically less tight or firm.

   aflojamiento

   • The loosening of the knot allowed the rope to slide free.
   • He felt a loosening of the tension in his shoulders after the massage.
   • The loosening of the screws caused the shelf to wobble.

   Sinónimoseasingrelaxationreleaseslackeningunfastening

   Antónimostightening

• Hacer que algo esté menos apretado, tenso o firme, o volverse menos apretado, tenso o firme.

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.

   aflojar

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

   Sinónimoseaselooserelaxreleaseslacken

   Antónimostighten

2. Make less strict or severeB2formal

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

   aflojar (restricciones)

   • 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.

   Sinónimosalleviateeaselessenmitigatemoderatereducerelaxslackensoftentemper

   Antónimosstiffenstrengthentighten

3. Become less tight or strictB2formal

   To become less tight, fixed, or severe.

   Aflojarse

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

   Sinónimoseaselet uploosen uprelaxslacken

   Antónimosconstrictstiffentighten

4. Disentangle fibersC1formal

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

   Separar y levantar fibras

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

   Sinónimoscardcombflufftease

   Antónimosentanglefeltmattangle

5. Make less denseC1formal

   To reduce the density or compactness of something.

   Aflojar, hacer menos denso

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

   Sinónimosaeratebreak upfluffrarefy

   Antónimoscompactcompresscondensepacksolidify

Variantes phrasalloosen up