<p><strong>Verb (used with object)</strong></p><ul><li>to unfasten or undo, as a bond or fetter.</li><li>to make less tight; slacken or relax: to loosen one's grasp.</li><li>to make less firmly fixed in place: to loosen a tooth.</li><li>to let loose or set free from bonds, restraint, or constraint.</li><li>to make less close or compact in structure or arrangement.</li><li>to make less dense or coherent: to loosen the soil in a garden.</li><li>to relax in strictness or severity, as restraint or discipline: to loosen restrictions on trade.</li><li>to relieve (the bowels) of their constipated condition.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used without object)</strong></p><ul><li>to become loose or looser (sometimes followed by up): His hold loosened. Your shoes will loosen up with wear.</li></ul>