unbend

Verb

Verb Forms: unbent, unbended, unbending, unbends

• To make or allow something to become straight.
• straighten up or out; make straight
• unfasten, as a sail, from a spar or a stay
• free from flexure
  • "unbend a bow"
• make less taut
• become less tense, rest, or take one's ease
• release from mental strain, tension, or formality
  • "unbend the mind from absorbing too much information"
• To remove a bend so as to make, or allow to become, straight.
• To release (a load) from a strain or from exertion; to set at ease for a time; to relax.
• To unfasten sails from the spars or stays to which are attached for use.
• To cast loose or untie
• To cease to be bent; to become straight.
• To relax in exertion, attention, severity, or the like
• to enjoy oneself; to become affable and free from formality

Examples

• After a long Scrabble tournament, he would unbend his strategies, relaxing his intense focus.
• Unbend the rope.

Synonyms

decompress, loosen up, relax, slow down, straighten, unwind

Antonyms

bend, tense