wind-down

[wahynd-doun]

noun

1. an act or instance of winding down, as in intensity.

   a gradual wind-down in hostilities.

wind down

/ waɪnd /

verb

1. (tr) to lower or move down by cranking

2. (intr) (of a clock spring) to become slack

3. (intr) to diminish gradually in force or power; relax

Word History and Origins

Origin of wind-down¹

First recorded in 1965–70; noun use of the verb phrase wind down

Idioms and Phrases

Diminish gradually, draw to a close, as in By midnight the party had wound down. [Mid-1900s] Also see wind up.

Related Words

• abolish 
• abort 
• adjourn 
• annul 
• cancel 
• cease 
• complete 
• conclude 
• cut off 
• determine 
• discharge 
• discontinue 
• dismiss 
• dissolve 
• eliminate 
• expire 
• halt 
• put an end to 
• recess 
• restrict