UNBEND

unbend

(verb) release from mental strain, tension, or formality; “unbend the mind from absorbing too much information”

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

(verb) become less tense, rest, or take one’s ease; “He relaxed in the hot tub”; “Let’s all relax after a hard day’s work”

relax, unbend

(verb) make less taut; “relax the tension on the rope”

unbend

(verb) free from flexure; “unbend a bow”

unbend

(verb) unfasten, as a sail, from a spar or a stay

straighten, unbend

(verb) straighten up or out; make straight

Source: WordNet® 3.1

---

Etymology

Verb

unbend (third-person singular simple present unbends, present participle unbending, simple past and past participle (archaic) unbended or unbent)

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.

(nautical) 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

(archaic) to enjoy oneself; to become affable and free from formality

Anagrams

• bunned

Source: Wiktionary

---

Un*bend", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Unbent; p. pr. & vb. n. Unbending.] Etym: [1st pref. un- + bend.]

1. To free from flexure; to make, or allow to become, straight; to loosen; as, to unbend a bow.

2. A remit from a strain or from exertion; to set at ease for a time; to relax; as, to unbend the mind from study or care. You do unbend your noble strength. Shak.

3. (Naut.) (a) To unfasten, as sails, from the spars or stays to which they are attached for use. (b) To cast loose or untie, as a rope.

Un*bend", v. i.

1. To cease to be bent; to become straight or relaxed.

2. To relax in exertion, attention, severity, or the like; hence, to indulge in mirth or amusement.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition

---