unwind

American  

[uhn-wahynd] / ʌnˈwaɪnd /

verb (used with object)

unwound, unwinding

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.

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verb (used without object)

unwound, unwinding

1. to become unwound.

2. to become relieved of tension; relax.

   After work we can have a drink and unwind.

unwind British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• unwindable adjective
• unwinder noun

Etymology

Origin of unwind

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

Example Sentences

"This reform is unwinding 20 years of entrenched social media practices," said Inman Grant.

From Barron's

On Tuesday, the eSafety commissioner said the reform was "unwinding 20 years of entrenched social media practices".

From BBC

Prices for Treasurys had rallied before Powell spoke, with investors unwinding earlier bets that higher energy costs might lead the Fed’s next move to be a rate hike.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Since the conflict with Iran began, much of the cyclical optimism that had been priced into our coverage at the start of the year has been meaningfully unwound,” wrote Linzey on Thursday.

From Barron's

“Since the conflict with Iran began, much of the cyclical optimism that had been priced into our coverage at the start of the year has been meaningfully unwound,” wrote Linzey on Thursday.

From Barron's

Related Words

• loosen
• unfurl
• unravel