1 C1 idiomatic informal
(Non-standard) To relax physically or emotionally; a variant of 'loosen up.'
"You need to loose up a bit — you're way too stressed."
inseparable
loose up
C1 informal inseparable transitive/intransitive
A non-standard or dialectal variant of 'loosen up' — to make something less tight or rigid, or to relax.
In plain English
The same as 'loosen up' — to relax or make something less tight — but this form is non-standard.
What does "loose up" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To make something loose in an upward or general sense.
Actually means
The same as 'loosen up' — to relax or make something less tight — but this form is non-standard.
Usage tip
Most dictionaries do not list 'loose up' as a standard entry. It appears in informal and dialectal speech as a variant of 'loosen up.' ESL learners should prefer 'loosen up.' Occasionally seen in print as an error.
Words that pair with "loose up"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
muscles joints rope restrictions
How to conjugate "loose up"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
loose up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
looses up
he/she/it
Past simple
loosed up
yesterday
Past participle
loosed up
have + pp
-ing form
loosing up
continuous
Hear "loose up" in the wild
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Other ways to say "loose up"
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