Loosen /(lo͡os"'n)/

imp. & p. p. Loosened; p. pr. & vb. n. Loosening

1. To make loose; to free from tightness, tension, firmness, or fixedness; to make less dense or compact; as, to loosen a string, or a knot; to loosen a rock in the earth.

   After a year's rooting, then shaking doth the tree good by loosening of the earth.

2. To free from restraint; to set at liberty..

   It loosens his hands, and assists his understanding.

3. To remove costiveness from; to facilitate or increase the alvine discharges of.

1. To become loose; to become less tight, firm, or compact.