unbend

[ uhn-bend ]

verb (used with object)

, un·bent or (Archaic) un·bend·ed, un·bend·ing.

1. to straighten from a bent form or position.
2. to release from the strain of formality, intense effort, etc.; relax:

   to unbend one's mind.

3. to release from tension, as a bow.
4. Nautical.
   1. to loose or untie, as a sail or rope.
   2. to unfasten from spars or stays, as sails.

verb (used without object)

, un·bent or (Archaic) un·bend·ed, un·bend·ing.

1. to relax the strictness of formality or ceremony; act in an easy, genial manner:

   Imagine him unbending!

2. to become unbent; straighten.

unbend

/ ʌnˈbɛnd /

verb

1. to release or be released from the restraints of formality and ceremony
2. informal.
   to relax (the mind) or (of the mind) to become relaxed
3. to become or be made straightened out from an originally bent shape or position
4. tr nautical
   1. to remove (a sail) from a stay, mast, yard, etc
   2. to untie (a rope, etc) or cast (a cable) loose

Derived Forms

• unˈbendable, adjective

Other Words From

• un·benda·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of unbend¹

Middle English word dating back to 1200–50; un- ², bend ¹

Example Sentences

For some reason or other, lunch always begins a little stiffly; but they unbend as they go on.

From Project Gutenberg

He promised to deliver it, and departed, wishing he could more easily unbend.

From Project Gutenberg

The only method he took to unbend and recreate himself, was to go from one work to another.

From Project Gutenberg

The inspection proved sufficient for the old lady to unbend and become almost human.

From Project Gutenberg

Zebedee can get on with human oysters and clams and make animated pokers unbend.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• calm
• lie down
• loosen up
• recline
• sit back
• soften
• unwind