1. (v. t.) 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.

2. (v. t.) To free from restraint; to set at liberty..

3. (v. t.) To remove costiveness from; to facilitate or increase the alvine discharges of.

4. (v. i.) To become loose; to become less tight, firm, or compact.

abate bate cast off cushion cut apart detach diffuse discharge disengage disenthrall disjoin disperse doff ease ease off ease up emancipate fluff free gentle knead lax laxate let down let go let up liberate limber limber up loose manumit mash massage mellow milden mitigate mollify plump pulp relax release remit remove scatter separate sever shake up slack slack off slack up slacken slake smash soften soften up squash subdue supple take off tenderize tone down tune down unbar unbend unbind unbolt unbrace unbridle unbuckle unbutton uncage unchain unclasp undo unfasten unfetter ungag unglue unhandcuff unhobble unhook unlace unlash unlatch unleash unlock unloose unloosen unmanacle unmuzzle unpen unpinion unscrew unshackle unstick unstrain unstrap unstring untether untie untighten untruss unyoke weaken weigh anchor