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Unbend

//ʌnˈbɛnd// verb

Definitions

Verb
  1. 1
    To remove a bend so as to make, or allow to become, straight.

    "to unbend a bow"

  2. 2
    release from mental strain, tension, or formality wordnet
  3. 3
    To release (a load) from a strain or from exertion; to set at ease for a time; to relax.

    "to unbend the mind from study or care"

  4. 4
    become less tense, rest, or take one's ease wordnet
  5. 5
    To unfasten sails from the spars or stays to which are attached for use.
Show 8 more definitions
  1. 6
    make less taut wordnet
  2. 7
    To cast loose or untie

    "Unbend the rope."

  3. 8
    free from flexure wordnet
  4. 9
    To cease to be bent; to become straight.
  5. 10
    unfasten, as a sail, from a spar or a stay wordnet
  6. 11
    To relax in exertion, attention, severity, or the like

    "He spent the afternoon shaping a swagger-stick from the branch of jarrah and talking with Miss La Rue, who had sufficiently unbent toward him to notice his existence."

  7. 12
    straighten up or out; make straight wordnet
  8. 13
    to enjoy oneself; to become affable and free from formality archaic

Etymology

From Middle English unbenden, equivalent to un- + bend.

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