The difference between Loosen and Tighten
When used as verbs, loosen means to make loose, whereas tighten means to make tighter.
check bellow for the other definitions of Loosen and Tighten
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Loosen as a verb (transitive):
To make loose.
Examples:
"synonyms: ease relax untighten"
"to loosen a knot; to loosen one's grip / hold on something"
"After the Thanksgiving meal, Bill loosened his belt."
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Loosen as a verb (intransitive):
To become loose.
Examples:
"I noticed that my seatbelt had gradually loosened during the journey."
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Loosen as a verb (transitive):
To disengage (a device that restrains).
Examples:
"synonyms: undo unfasten"
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Loosen as a verb (intransitive):
To become unfastened or undone.
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Loosen as a verb (transitive):
To free from restraint; to set at liberty.
Examples:
"synonyms: liberate release set free"
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Loosen as a verb (transitive):
To relieve (the bowels) from constipation; to promote defecation.
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Loosen as a verb (transitive, obsolete):
To create a breach or rift between (two parties).
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Loosen as a verb (intransitive, obsolete):
To sail away (from the shore).
Examples:
"synonyms: put out"
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Tighten as a verb (transitive):
To make tighter.
Examples:
"Please tighten that screw a quarter-turn."
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Tighten as a verb (intransitive):
To become tighter.
Examples:
"That joint is tightening as the wood dries."
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Tighten as a verb (economics):
To make money harder to borrow or obtain.
Examples:
"If the government doesn't tighten the money supply, inflation is certain to be harsh."
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Tighten as a verb (economics):
To raise short-term interest rates.
Examples:
"The Fed is expected to tighten by a quarter-point."