straighten

American  

[streyt-n] / ˈstreɪt n /

verb (used with or without object)

1. to make or become straight in direction, form, position, character, conduct, condition, etc. (often followed by up orout ).

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straighten British  

/ ˈstreɪtən /

verb

1. to make or become straight

2. (tr) to make neat or tidy

   straighten your desk

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Other Word Forms

• overstraighten verb
• prestraighten verb (used with object)
• restraighten verb
• straightener noun
• unstraightened adjective
• well-straightened adjective

Etymology

Origin of straighten

First recorded in 1535–45; straight + -en ¹

Example Sentences

Her hair had gotten thicker and turned more of a golden color, and she spent a lot of time in her room with the door shut, straightening her hair or curling it or something.

From Literature

“Hopefully, your mother will turn up and straighten this out so we can go back to normal.”

From Literature

Glory straightened her back and cleared her throat, like she was getting ready to give a presentation in front of the whole class.

From Literature

Instead of straightening, the metal leg snapped off.

From Literature

I straightened up and pulled out my tablet.

From Literature

Related Words

• rectify
• uncoil