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straighten

[streyt-n]
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR straighten ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with or without object)

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

Origin of straighten

First recorded in 1535–45; straight + -en1
Related formsstraight·en·er, nouno·ver·straight·en, verbpre·straight·en, verb (used with object)re·straight·en, verbun·straight·ened, adjectivewell-straight·ened, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for straighten out

passionately, sincerely, earnestly, vigorously, actively, advance, upgrade, develop, help, reform, rise, recover, revamp, increase, lift, progress, better, enhance, promote, boost
British Dictionary definitions for straighten out

straighten out

verb (adverb)

to make or become less complicated or confusedthe situation will straighten out
US and Canadian to reform or become reformed

straighten

verb (sometimes foll by up or out)

to make or become straight
(tr) to make neat or tidystraighten your desk
Derived Formsstraightener, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for straighten out

straighten

v.

1540s, from straight + -en (1). Related: Straightened; straightening.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Idioms and Phrases with straighten out

straighten out

1

Clear up disorder, a confusion, or a misunderstanding, as in This is an awful mess; I hope you'll straighten it out, or I don't understand; please straighten me out. [Late 1800s]

2

Adopt an honest, upright course, as in He's only sixteen; I'm sure he'll straighten out before long. [First half of 1900s]

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.