Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To release from restraint; to set free: To allow something that was confined, tied, or fastened to become free or loose.
   • To loosen or untie: To make something less tight, especially by undoing a fastening or knot.
   • To relax or slacken: To lessen the tension, grip, or control over something.

Usage and Examples

• To release or set free:
  • The zookeeper will unloose the bird back into the wild.
  • He unloosed the dog from its leash.
• To loosen or untie:
  • Please unloose the knot on this package.
  • She unloosed her hair from the tight braid.
• To relax a grip or control:
  • He finally unloosed his hold on the rope.
  • The government unloosed its strict regulations.

Advanced Usage

• "To unloose one's tongue": To cause someone to speak freely, often after being silent.
  • A few drinks unloosed his tongue, and he told us the whole story.
• "To unloose a torrent of": To release a sudden, powerful outpouring of something (e.g., words, emotions, criticism).
  • The scandal unloosed a torrent of anger from the public.

Variants and Related Words

• Unloosen (verb): A less common variant with the same meaning as "unloose."
  • He unloosened the straps.
• Loose (verb/adjective): The root word. As a verb, it means to release. As an adjective, it means not tight.
  • Verb: They loosed the sails.
  • Adj: She wore a loose dress.

Synonyms

• Release: To set free from confinement.
• Untie: To undo a knot or fastening.
• Loosen: To make less tight or firm.
• Unfasten: To open or release a clasp, lock, or tie.
• Unleash: To release from a leash or restraint, often with force.

Antonyms

• Tie: To fasten or secure with a cord or string.
• Bind: To tie or fasten tightly.
• Restrain: To prevent from moving or acting freely.
• Confine: To keep within limits; to imprison.
• Tighten: To make something firmer or more secure.

Notes on Usage

• Formality: "Unloose" is a somewhat literary or formal word. In everyday speech, "loosen," "untie," or "release" are more common.
• Potential Confusion: "Unloose" does not mean "to make not loose" (i.e., to tighten). Its meaning is similar to "loosen." The "un-" prefix here is an intensifier, not a negator. It means "to do the action of loosing completely."

Verb

1. loosen the ties of
   • unloose your sneakers
2. grant freedom to; free from confinement