unbend

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

• IPA^(key): /ʌnˈbɛnd/

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  Rhymes: -ɛnd

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

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

   to unbend a bow

   • 1982, Douglas Adams, Life, the Universe and Everything, page 61:

     He leant tensely against the corridor wall and frowned like a man trying to unbend a corkscrew by telekinesis.

2. 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

   • c. 1606 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Macbeth”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies  (First Folio), London: Isaac Iaggard, and Ed Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, :

     You do unbend your noble strength.

3. (nautical) To unfasten sails from the spars or stays to which are attached for use.
4. To cast loose or untie

   Unbend the rope.

5. To cease to be bent; to become straight.
6. To relax in exertion, attention, severity, or the like
   • 1918 September–November, Edgar Rice Burroughs, “The Land That Time Forgot”, in The Blue Book Magazine, Chicago, Ill.: Story-press Corp., →OCLC; republished as chapter VI, in Hugo Gernsback, editor, Amazing Stories, (please specify |part=I to III), New York, N.Y.: Experimenter Publishing, 1927, →OCLC:

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

• bunned