DEFINITIONS

straighten

[ streyt-n ]
/ ˈstreɪt n /
SEE 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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Words related to straighten

blossom, boost, develop, grow, mature, amend, fix, remedy, redress, improve, control, readjust, standardize, monitor, rectify, oversee, govern, administer, adjust, determine

Words nearby straighten

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

Origin of straighten

First recorded in 1535–45; straight + -en1

OTHER WORDS FROM straighten

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 forms of straighten

straightener, 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

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.