(~s, ~ing, ~ed)
1.
If someone ~s restrictions or laws, for example, they make them less strict or severe.
Drilling regulations, too, have been ~ed to speed the development of the fields.
? tighten
VERB: V n
~ing
Domestic conditions did not justify a ~ing of monetary policy.
N-SING: usu N of n
2.
If someone or something ~s the ties between people or groups of people, or if the ties ~, they become weaker.
The Federal Republic must ~ its ties with the United States...
The deputy leader is cautious about ~ing the links with the unions...
The ties that bind them together are ~ing.
VERB: V n, V n, V
3.
If you ~ your clothing or something that is tied or fastened or if it ~s, you undo it slightly so that it is less tight or less firmly held in place.
Loosen the bolt so the bars can be turned...
Her hair had ~ed and was tangled around her shoulders.
? tighten
VERB: V n, V
4.
If you ~ something that is stretched across something else, you make it less stretched or tight.
Insert a small knife into the top of the chicken breast to ~ the skin.
VERB: V n
5.
If you ~ your grip on something, or if your grip ~s, you hold it less tightly.
Harry ~ed his grip momentarily and Anna wriggled free...
When his grip ~ed she eased herself away.
= relax
? tighten
VERB: V n, V
6.
If a government or organization ~s its grip on a group of people or an activity, or if its grip ~s, it begins to have less control over it.
There is no sign that the Party will ~ its tight grip on the country...
The Soviet Union’s grip on Eastern Europe ~ed.
= relax
VERB: V n, V