Commentary: Syntax Includes: NP1[agent] LOOSEN NP2[theme[concrete] NP1[theme] LOOSEN Includes: LOOSEN UP
Examples:
The victim had loosened the front of two chains that secured the load.
We loosened the vertical bolts that tighten the rail and injector stacks a bit.
I loosened the roots some, but did not want to be too aggressive.
Lloyd loosened his grip on the left arm rest and brought his hand to his damp forehead.
Mappings:
VerbNet: other_cos-45.4
FrameNet: NP
PropBank: loosen.01,loosen.02
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1, 4, 5, 6, 7
WordNet Verb Particle Constructions, Multiword Expressions:
loosen_up 1
Commentary: Syntax Includes: NP1[agent] LOOSEN NP2[theme[abstract]] NP1[theme] LOOSEN
NOTE: compare carefully to sense 1; this sense implies a lessening of control and increased freedom Includes: LOOSEN UP, LOOSEN REINS, LOOSEN PURSE STRINGS
Examples:
It was only a matter of time before she loosened the grip that TV had on her.
If phone network providers loosened the reins it would stimulate development.
As the state's purse strings loosened, the social complexion of science altered.
The rules loosened up a good bit but many regulations that seem archaic today hung on.
Mappings:
VerbNet: NM
FrameNet: NP
PropBank: loosen.01,loosen.02
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2, 3
Commentary: Is: LOOSEN UP
Examples:
Loosen up, will you?
Social activities allow people to get to know each other and to loosen up after a long day of work.
I think having a band really has revitalized him and loosened him up.
He went back to his corner and burst out laughing, and it loosened him up.
Mappings:
VerbNet: other_cos-45.4
FrameNet: NP
PropBank: loosen.02
WordNet Verb Particle Constructions, Multiword Expressions:
loosen_up 2, 4, 5
Examples:
A massage is a great way to loosen up after a long plane ride.
This stretch is good to help loosen up after a long night's sleep and can help prepare you for any sports activity.
Mappings:
VerbNet: NM
FrameNet: NP
PropBank: NM
WordNet Verb Particle Constructions, Multiword Expressions:
loosen_up 3