unwind
/ʌnˈwʌɪnd
/verb (past and past participle unwound)
1Undo or be undone after winding or being wound: [with object]: Ella unwound the long woollen scarf from her neck [no object]: the net unwinds from the reel...
- I took one of these envelopes and undid it by unwinding a little thread in back.
- When the steering wheel is turned, said printed circuit board can, according to the direction of turning, be wound onto a winding element or unwound therefrom.
- He put the videotape in and unwound his bandages to let his wounds breathe.
Synonyms
unroll, uncoil, unreel, undo, unravel, untwine, untwist, disentangle, spread out, unfurl, open (out), lay out, straighten (out), unkink
2 [no object] Relax after a period of work or tension: the Grand Hotel is a superb place to unwind...
- Why not call in, relax unwind and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of The Family Life Centre Boyle.
- Its been busy, but today might be a chance to take it a bit slower and relax and unwind.
- Even if your preferred speed of living is fast or faster it's important to find time to relax, unwind and loosen your grip.
Synonyms
relax, loosen up, ease up/off, let up, slow down, de-stress, unbend, rest, repose;
laze, idle, loaf, do nothing, sit back, stand down, lounge, loll, slump, flop, put one's feet up, take it easy, luxuriate, take time off, slack off, be at leisure, take one's leisure, take one's ease, enjoy oneself, amuse oneself, play, entertain oneself
informal wind down, let it all hang out, let one's hair down, unbutton, veg out
North American informal hang loose, stay loose, chill out, kick back