unwind

American  

[uhn-wahynd] / ʌnˈwaɪnd /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• unwindable adjective
• unwinder noun

Etymology

Origin of unwind

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

Example Sentences

It feels very luxurious and isn’t too far from the lake, which is perfect for a morning or evening walk if you want to unwind.

From The Wall Street Journal

Those balances can lead to a persistent cycle that’s difficult to unwind, increasing the risk that savings will be drawn down faster than planned.

From MarketWatch

Worker bees looking to unwind with a pint don’t often get beyond the glass doors, which sometimes offer a view of empty tables booked by no-show bankers while the main bar is packed.

From The Wall Street Journal

The exit unwound a transaction that befuddled shareholders and led to a steep selloff in Masimo shares.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some emergency room workers watch to unwind from their stressful jobs.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• loosen
• unfurl
• unravel