definitions

straighten

[ streyt-n ]
/ ˈstreɪt 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).

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RELATED WORDS

passionately, sincerely, earnestly, vigorously, actively, advance, upgrade, develop, help, reform, rise, recover, revamp, increase, lift, progress, better, enhance, promote, boost

Nearby words

straight-laced, straight-line, straight-out, straightaway, straightedge, straighten, straighten out, straighten up, straightforward, straightjacket, straightly

Origin of straighten

First recorded in 1535–45; straight + -en1
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for straighten out (1 of 2)

straighten out

verb (adverb)

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

British Dictionary definitions for straighten out (2 of 2)

straighten

/ (ˈstreɪtən) /

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.