unbend
/ʌnˈbɛnd/ verb
Forms unbends unbending unbent unbended
- verb To remove a bend so as to make, or allow to become, straight.
- verb To release (a load) from a strain or from exertion; to set at ease for a time; to relax.
- verb (nautical) To unfasten sails from the spars or stays to which are attached for use.
- verb To cast loose or untie “Unbend the rope.”
- verb To cease to be bent; to become straight.
- verb To relax in exertion, attention, severity, or the like
- verb (archaic) to enjoy oneself; to become affable and free from formality
Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology
From Middle English unbenden, equivalent to un- + bend.
Webster’s 1913
- verb To free from flexure; to make, or allow to become, straight; to loosen; as, to unbend a bow.
- verb A remit from a strain or from exertion; to set at ease for a time; to relax; as, to unbend the mind from study or care.
- verb To cease to be bent; to become straight or relaxed.
- verb To relax in exertion, attention, severity, or the like; hence, to indulge in mirth or amusement.
Etymology [1st pref. un- + bend.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “unbend”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details