Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Unbend

Un-bend′

(ŭn-bĕnd′)
,
Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Unbent
(ŭn-bĕnt′)
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Unbending
.]
[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.
Shakespeare
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′

,
Verb.
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.

Webster 1828 Edition

Unbend

UNBEND'

, v.t.
1.
To free from flexure; to make straight; as, to unbend a bow.
2.
To relax; to remit from a strain or from exertion; to set at ease for a time; as, to unbend the mind from study or care.
3.
To relax effeminately.
You unbend your noble strength.
4.
In seamanship, to take the sails from their yards and stays; also, to cast loose a cable from the anchors; also, to untie one rope from another.

Definition 2024

unbend

unbend

English

Verb

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
  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
    • Shakespeare
      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, Edgar Rice Burroughs, The Land That Time Forgot Chapter VI
      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

Translations

Pronunciation

  • Rhymes: -ɛnd

Similar Results