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

It’s also a production that becomes more surreal as it unwinds, though I felt its handling of grief was particularly grounded.

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

The antitrust case sets the stage for a potential breakup of Google’s advertising and search businesses or an unwinding of acquisitions that have been pivotal to the tech giant’s growth, legal experts say.

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