straighten
[ streyt-n ]
/ ˈstreɪt n /
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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Nearby words
straight-laced, straight-line, straight-out, straightaway, straightedge, straighten up, straighten out, straighten up, straightforward, straightjacket, straightly
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for straighten up (1 of 2)
straighten up
verb (adverb)
to become or cause to become erect
mainly US to reform or become reformed
British Dictionary definitions for straighten up (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 up
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]
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.