unwind

[ uhn-wahynd ]

verb (used with object)

, un·wound [uhn-, wound], un·wind·ing.

1. to undo or loosen from or as if from a coiled condition:

   to unwind a rolled bandage; to unwind a coiled rope.

2. to reduce the tension of; relax:

   to unwind a person with a drink.

3. to disentangle or disengage; untwist:

   to unwind one's legs from around the stool.

verb (used without object)

, un·wound [uhn-, wound], un·wind·ing.

1. to become unwound.
2. to become relieved of tension; relax:

   After work we can have a drink and unwind.

unwind

/ ʌnˈwaɪnd /

verb

1. to slacken, undo, or unravel or cause to slacken, undo, or unravel
2. tr to disentangle
3. to make or become relaxed

   he finds it hard to unwind after a busy day at work

Derived Forms

• unˈwinder, noun
• unˈwindable, adjective

Other Words From

• un·winda·ble adjective
• un·winder noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unwind¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English onwinden; un- ², wind ²

Example Sentences

That trade unwinded fast, and in spectacularly damaging fashion.

From Fortune

Whether they use Pinterest for work tasks, to unwind, or for shopping.

From Search Engine Watch

“The Otesaga is casually cozy and full of opportunities to explore the beauty of nature or relax and unwind by a warm fire,” says the hotel’s general manager, Marty Rosenthal.

From Washington Post

The former President will likely pay the price for neglecting Georgia when the Democratic Congress begins to unwind his legacy.

From Fortune

This was a hell of a year, leaving many of us scrambling to unwind in one of the country’s treasured natural places.

From Outside Online

To unwind, Sharp takes long showers, and stops himself from separating his food on his plate as Christopher would.

From The Daily Beast

The Hakushu 12 was a little peaty and nutty, the kind of dram I want to unwind with after a fine restaurant meal.

From The Daily Beast

When I want to unwind, I just go to bed with a detective story.

From The Daily Beast

Having known a few presidents myself, I can assure you that there is little time to truly unwind, even on “vacation.”

From The Daily Beast

It took me about two years to unwind the tension, so in that time, I almost had to relearn how to sing.

From The Daily Beast

Now allow the thread to unwind, and as the watch revolves, pass it back and forth near a powerful electromagnet.

From Project Gutenberg

Gradually the turban began to unwind itself, the end trailing on the ground.

From Project Gutenberg

Shell, sir, said Kentucky in answer to the quick question as the doctor began rapidly to unwind the bandages on his shoulder.

From Project Gutenberg

And whatever "the tow on my distaff" may be, my strength to unwind it has not been abundant lately.

From Project Gutenberg

Endeavor to get hold of the loose end of association, and then unwind your memory ball of yarn.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• loosen
• unfurl
• unravel