loosen

• 使某物变得不那么紧或牢固，或变得不那么紧或牢固。

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.

   放松

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

   同义词easelooserelaxreleaseslacken

   反义词tighten

2. Make less strict or severeB2formal

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

   放宽

   • 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.

   同义词alleviateeaselessenmitigatemoderatereducerelaxslackensoftentemper

   反义词stiffenstrengthentighten

3. Become less tight or strictB2formal

   To become less tight, fixed, or severe.

   变松

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

   同义词easelet uploosen uprelaxslacken

   反义词constrictstiffentighten

4. Disentangle fibersC1formal

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

   松解纤维

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

   同义词cardcombflufftease

   反义词entanglefeltmattangle

5. Make less denseC1formal

   To reduce the density or compactness of something.

   弄松

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

   同义词aeratebreak upfluffrarefy

   反义词compactcompresscondensepacksolidify

短语动词变体loosen up