Standard Lemma guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
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verb
To loosen or undo (something that entangles, fastens, holds, or interlocks).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: also, figuratively, transitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: disengage, loose, unfasten, untie
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To relax or slacken (something that clasps or grips, such as the arms or hands).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: also, figuratively, transitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: let go, unclasp
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To free (someone or something) from a constraint; (figuratively) to release (something which has been suppressed, such as emotions or objectionable things).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: transitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: liberate, set free, unleash, vent
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To remove or take off (especially something undesirable).
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: archaic, transitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: detach
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To become loose or come off.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: intransitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: detach
Antonyms: none provided
verb
To free from a constraint.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
Usage: also, figuratively, intransitive
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
verb
loosen the ties of
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
Synonyms: unloosen
Antonyms: none provided
Broader terms: untie, unbrace, unlace
verb
grant freedom to; free from confinement
Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: free, liberate, release, unloosen, loose
Antonyms: none provided
Narrower terms: unspell, unchain, bail, run, bail out, parole
History
From Middle English unlosen (“to loosen, untie; to uncover, unwrap; to extend; to free, liberate, release; to disengage; to detach oneself; to make (someone) weak; to abolish; to destroy”) [and other forms], from un- (intensifying prefix) + losen (“to free, let loose, release; to loosen, untie; to come undone or unfastened; to open; to relax; to remove; to melt; to resolve; to break up, disintegrate; to detach, disengage; to destroy; to say, tell; to absolve of sin”) (from los (“free; loose, untied; exempt; absolved of sin; inattentive, undisciplined; of the tongue: lacking restraint, unbridled; limp, weak; wavering”), from Old Norse lauss (“loose”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *lewH- (“to separate; to set free; to untie”)). The English word is analysable as un- (intensifying prefix) + loose. Compare Middle English unlesen (“to loosen, release”), from Old English onlīesan (“to release, deliver, liberate, unloose”).
