unwind

[uhn-wahynd]

verb (used with object)

unwound, unwinding 

1. to undo or loosen from or as if from a coiled condition.

   to unwind a rolled bandage; to unwind a coiled rope.

2. to reduce the tension of; relax.

   to unwind a person with a drink.

3. to disentangle or disengage; untwist.

   to unwind one's legs from around the stool.

verb (used without object)

unwound, unwinding 

1. to become unwound.

2. to become relieved of tension; relax.

   After work we can have a drink and unwind.

unwind

/ ʌnˈwaɪnd /

verb

1. to slacken, undo, or unravel or cause to slacken, undo, or unravel

2. (tr) to disentangle

3. to make or become relaxed

   he finds it hard to unwind after a busy day at work

Other Word Forms

• unwindable adjective
• unwinder noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unwind¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; Middle English onwinden; un- ², wind ²

Example Sentences

“Spreads are so tight, If there is any economic disruption, things could unwind.”

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A rapid unwinding of that carry trade, however, can cause havoc in global markets.

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On Sept. 19, he announced he would unwind the fund this month.

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The move builds on earlier decisions by the Vienna-based cartel to unwind a layer of production quota curbs totaling roughly 1.65 million barrels a day, which was first implemented in 2023.

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Compounding that, some popular investment themes have unwound.

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Related Words

• loosen 
• unfurl 
• unravel