loosen

/ˈluːsn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈluːsn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈlü-sᵊn/ (ame, mw)

loosen — verb

  • loosenpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • loosenshe / she / it
  • loosenedpast simple
  • loosening-ing form

1. to make something less tight or firmly fixed, or to become less tight on its own

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

to make something less tight or firmly fixed, or to become less tight on its own — for example, loosening a bolt, a knot, or a person's grip.

例句

The mechanic loosened the old bolt by spraying oil and turning the wrench.

transitive: loosen + concrete object (bolt/screw/nut)

The knot on the child's shoelace loosened as she jumped in the puddles.

intransitive: knot/screw/strap loosens on its own

同義詞
  • slacken

    more specific to ropes, cables, or tension; less common in everyday speech

  • release

    implies letting go completely rather than just making less tight

  • ease

    suggests a gentle, gradual loosening; often used with 'ease off' or 'ease up'

反義詞
  • tighten

    the direct opposite — to make something tighter or more firmly fixed

  • fasten

    to attach or close something securely

文法句型

loosen + object (bolt, screw, knot, grip)

object + loosens (intransitive)

用法筆記

Frequently used with concrete physical objects (fasteners, knots, straps, grips). The intransitive form describes something coming loose on its own rather than being actively undone.

常見錯誤

❌I need to loose the screw before taking the wheel off.
✅I need to loosen the screw before taking the wheel off.
💡'loose' is an adjective; 'loosen' is the verb for making something less tight.

2. to make an item of clothing, a belt, or your hair less tight or unfastened after

2.動詞及物B1
釋義

to make an item of clothing, a belt, or your hair less tight or unfastened after it has been tied, buttoned, or pulled back.

例句

The businesswoman loosened her scarf when she entered the warm office.

collocation: loosen + scarf/tie/collar/belt

After the wedding ceremony, the bride loosened her hair and changed into comfortable clothes.

collocation: loosen + hair/ponytail/braid

同義詞
  • undo

    more general — can mean unfastening buttons, zippers, or laces without the 'making less tight' nuance

  • unfasten

    more formal; focuses on the fastener rather than the tightness

  • untie

    specific to things that are tied (laces, ribbons, hair bands)

反義詞
  • tighten

    making clothing or hair more snug or pulled back

  • fasten

    to close or secure clothing or accessories

文法句型

loosen + item of clothing (tie, belt, collar)

loosen + hair/ponytail

用法筆記

Only used transitively. The object is always something you wear or style on your body — clothing, accessories, or hair. Cannot be used intransitively.

常見錯誤

❌He loosened his hair.' (if the listener thinks he untied someone else's hair).
✅He loosened his own hair.' or 'He loosened her hair.
💡clarify the possessive when needed to avoid ambiguity.

3. to reduce the strictness of a rule, system, or control — for example, making reg

3.動詞及物B2
釋義

to reduce the strictness of a rule, system, or control — for example, making regulations easier to follow or standards less severe.

例句

The government loosened the rules on small businesses to help the economy grow.

collocation: loosen + rules/regulations/restrictions

The school loosened its dress code, allowing students to wear casual clothes.

collocation: loosen + dress code/policy/standards

同義詞
  • relax

    very similar in meaning but far more common; 'relax the rules' is the standard phrase

  • ease

    suggests a gradual reduction in severity; 'ease restrictions' is common in news reporting

  • liberalize

    more formal and stronger — implies making rules much freer or removing them entirely

反義詞
  • tighten

    the opposite — making rules, restrictions, or controls stricter

  • stiffen

    more formal; used especially for penalties, regulations, or requirements

文法句型

loosen + abstract noun (rules, restrictions, controls, standards)

用法筆記

Object is always abstract (rules, restrictions, controls, standards, policies). Common in news, business, and official contexts. Frequently passive: 'restrictions were loosened.'

常見錯誤

❌The government loosened the economy.
✅The government loosened controls on the economy.
💡'loosen' needs an object like 'rules', 'restrictions', or 'controls'; you cannot loosen an entity itself.