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

“So by oscillating the voltage back and forth, you can bend and unbend the strip, which will generate waves to drive the movement,” Cohen says.

From Scientific American

Breakfast had been ordered at a pleasant little tavern, a mile or so away upon the rising ground beyond the green; and there was a bagatelle board in the room, in case we should desire to unbend our minds after the solemnity.

From Literature

I could not help wishing more than once that evening, that Mr. Jaggers had had an Aged in Gerrard Street, or a Stinger, or a Something, or a Somebody, to unbend his brows a little.

From Literature

“You unbend your forehead at last,” said Mr. Rivers.

From Literature

The beetle then contracts a softer, more elastic cuticle which acts against the latch, attempting to unbend itself.

From Salon

Related Words

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