wind-down

[wahynd-doun]

noun

1. an act or instance of winding down, as in intensity.

   a gradual wind-down in hostilities.

wind down

/ waɪnd /

verb

1. (tr) to lower or move down by cranking

2. (intr) (of a clock spring) to become slack

3. (intr) to diminish gradually in force or power; relax

Word History and Origins

Origin of wind down¹

First recorded in 1965–70; noun use of the verb phrase wind down

Idioms and Phrases

Diminish gradually, draw to a close, as in By midnight the party had wound down. [Mid-1900s] Also see wind up.

Example Sentences

Perfect for your morning coffee, evening wind-down, or whenever you need a dose of clear-eyed commentary that doesn’t insult your intelligence.

From Salon

The group, which administers funds for PBS TV affiliates and NPR radio stations, said it would “begin an orderly wind-down of its operations.”

From Los Angeles Times

Last week, the carmaker revealed a drop in sales in the three months to June caused partly by it pausing exports to the US because of tariffs and also due to the planned wind-down of older Jaguar models.

From BBC

It said the drop in sales was also partly due to the planned wind-down of older Jaguar models.

From BBC

It said while the government has committed to "formal negotiations", it will begin consultations with 150 staff at its Vivergo bioethanol business in Hull "to effect an orderly wind-down".

From BBC

Related Words

• abolish 
• abort 
• adjourn 
• annul 
• cancel 
• cease 
• complete 
• conclude 
• cut off 
• determine 
• discharge 
• discontinue 
• dismiss 
• dissolve 
• eliminate 
• expire 
• halt 
• put an end to 
• recess 
• restrict