loosen

intransitive verb

To make looser or less tight.

intransitive verb

To free from restraint, pressure, or strictness.

intransitive verb

To free (the bowels) from constipation.

intransitive verb

To become loose or looser.

phrasal verb

To do stretches or light exercise before a more strenuous activity.

phrasal verb

To become less strict or tense, as in one’s demeanor; relax.

To make loose; free from tightness, tension, firmness, or fixedness: as, to loosen a knot; to loosen a joint; to loosen a rock in the earth.

To render less dense or compact: as, to loosen the soil about the roots of a plant.

To let loose; free from restraint or confinement.

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