unwind

[ uhn-wahynd ]

verb (used with object)

, un·wound [uhn-, wound], un·wind·ing.

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)

, un·wound [uhn-, wound], un·wind·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• unˈwindable, adjective
• unˈwinder, noun

Other Words From

• un·winda·ble adjective
• un·winder noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of unwind¹

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

Example Sentences

Nonetheless, two items — the Calm shot and Unwind tonic — have seen sales increases of at least 28% in October compared with the same month last year.

From Los Angeles Times

"You can't actually work to the best of your ability without taking those moments for yourself, to pause, to unwind, whatever that might be for you," she says.

From BBC

One of the two floors Wedbush Securities leased in Pasadena has a rooftop deck that Wedbush plans to make into an outdoor office space with conference tables, workstations where people can plug in their computers and places to unwind.

From Los Angeles Times

Vinciquerra quickly recognized the linear television channel business was doomed and worked to unwind Sony’s cable channels except in Latin America, Spain and India where the business is still vibrant.

From Los Angeles Times

The measure has been the focus of intense debate this year as Republicans and law enforcement advocates have called to unwind some parts of Proposition 47.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• loosen
• unfurl
• unravel