unbend

[ uhn-bend ]

verb (used with object)

, un·bent or (Archaic) un·bend·ed, un·bend·ing.

1. to straighten from a bent form or position.
2. to release from the strain of formality, intense effort, etc.; relax:

   to unbend one's mind.

3. to release from tension, as a bow.
4. Nautical.
   1. to loose or untie, as a sail or rope.
   2. to unfasten from spars or stays, as sails.

verb (used without object)

, un·bent or (Archaic) un·bend·ed, un·bend·ing.

1. to relax the strictness of formality or ceremony; act in an easy, genial manner:

   Imagine him unbending!

2. to become unbent; straighten.

unbend

/ ʌnˈbɛnd /

verb

1. to release or be released from the restraints of formality and ceremony
2. informal.
   to relax (the mind) or (of the mind) to become relaxed
3. to become or be made straightened out from an originally bent shape or position
4. tr nautical
   1. to remove (a sail) from a stay, mast, yard, etc
   2. to untie (a rope, etc) or cast (a cable) loose

Derived Forms

• unˈbendable, adjective

Other Words From

• un·benda·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of unbend¹

Middle English word dating back to 1200–50; un- ², bend ¹

Example Sentences

An ironic observer with an unbending will, he prefers the quiet freedom of his own thoughts to the aggressive clamor of those around him who mistakenly believe they can control how he thinks.

From Los Angeles Times

It reminded him that pure, unbending clarity of purpose existed, just not in himself.

From Los Angeles Times

But the most credible thing to do was ignored by the majority: follow the “textualist” philosophy these justices claim as their unbending guide.

From Salon

“I changed some things. But I was unbending on the bar, especially since it was in the renderings, and they had shown it on social media.”

From Los Angeles Times

Though she loves to present like any other, round-the-way gal: at 62, she remains remarkably regal — unyielding and unbending as one of the last striking figures of a pale Fox football team these days.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• calm
• lie down
• loosen up
• recline
• sit back
• soften
• unwind