straighten

American  

[streyt-n] / ˈstreɪt n /

verb (used with or without object)

1. to make or become straight in direction, form, position, character, conduct, condition, etc. (often followed by up orout ).

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straighten British  

/ ˈstreɪtən /

verb

1. to make or become straight

2. (tr) to make neat or tidy

   straighten your desk

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Other Word Forms

• overstraighten verb
• prestraighten verb (used with object)
• restraighten verb
• straightener noun
• unstraightened adjective
• well-straightened adjective

Etymology

Origin of straighten

First recorded in 1535–45; straight + -en ¹

Example Sentences

I straightened up and pulled out my tablet.

From Literature

I rarely straighten my mop of thick, curly hair, and when I do, it’s not always a great experience.

From Salon

I immediately straighten my back and let my hands fall to my lap.

From Literature

I retie the bows in my sisters’ hair and tell them to straighten their dresses.

From Literature

There were various piles around that seemed hastily straightened up.

From Literature

Related Words

• rectify
• uncoil