loosen, loose

make loose or looser; "loosen the tension on a rope"

• relax, unbend — make less tight
• slacken, remit — make slack as by lessening tension or firmness
• slack — release tension on
• unscrew — loosen something by unscrewing it
• unscrew — loosen by turning

• change, alter — cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

• loosen, relax, loose — become loose or looser or less tight