unloosen

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to loosen or unfasten something that is tied, fixed, or held tightly

   He unloosened the strap and lifted the pack from the horse.

2. 2
   verb

   to release or set someone or something free, especially in literary use

   The order unloosened the prisoners from their chains.

Formed from un- + loosen, with un- reinforcing the idea of release rather than reversing it. Although sometimes criticized as redundant, the verb has a long history and is especially common in older or literary prose.

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