loosen up

/ˈluːsən ʌp/◆phrasal verb

to relax or become less tense

After a long day at work, she decided to loosen up with a glass of wine.

She relaxed and reduced her stress by having a drink.

informal

To relax or become less tense, either physically or mentally

The yoga class helped me loosen up after a stressful week.

The yoga class helped me relax and reduce my stress.

He needs to loosen up and stop being so serious all the time.

He needs to relax and be less rigid in his behavior.

Often used to describe easing physical tension or reducing social stiffness.

Collocations

loosen up onto become less strict about somethingloosen up withto relax in the company of someone

to become less serious or tense

to prepare or become more relaxed

Use 'loosen up' when describing physical relaxation or easing social tension.

The meaning can vary slightly depending on whether it's used for physical relaxation or social situations.

Combination of 'loosen' (to make less tight) and 'up' (as a particle indicating a change of state).

Commonly used in informal contexts to describe physical relaxation or social ease. Can also refer to easing restrictions or rules.

loosen

to make less tight or rigid

root

indicates a change of state or direction

particle

English Dictionary