loosen
/ˈlusən/
verb
- To make something less tight or firm.
- The heat caused the metal to expand and loosen the screw.
- He used a wrench to loosen the bolt on the bicycle.
- She loosened her shoelaces before taking off her shoes.
- To make something less strict, controlled, or severe.
- They voted to loosen the rules about bringing food into the library.
- The teacher loosened the deadline after hearing the students' requests.
- The government decided to loosen the restrictions on travel.
- To make something less solid or compact, such as soil or a knot.
- She loosened the soil around the plant with a small trowel.
- He loosened the knot by pulling on the ends gently.
- The rain helped loosen the packed dirt in the garden.
Antonyms