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straighten

[streyt-n]
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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).
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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

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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
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straighten

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

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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]

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