Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

straighten

[streyt-n]
See more synonyms for straighten on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with or without object)
  1. to make or become straight in direction, form, position, character, conduct, condition, etc. (often followed by up or out).
Show More

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. 2018
British Dictionary definitions for straighten up

straighten up

verb (adverb)
  1. to become or cause to become erect
  2. mainly US to reform or become reformed
Show More

straighten

verb (sometimes foll by up or out)
  1. to make or become straight
  2. (tr) to make neat or tidystraighten your desk
Show More
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 up

straighten

v.

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

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

Idioms and Phrases with straighten up

straighten up

Make tidy, as in Let's get this room straightened up. [Second half of 1800s]

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