Antonyms for unbend


Grammar : Verb
Spell : uhn-bend
Phonetic Transcription : ʌnˈbɛnd


Definition of unbend

Origin :
  • "to relax a bow by unstringing it," mid-13c., from un- (2) + bend (v.). Figurative meaning "to become genial, relax" (1748) has a sense opposite to that of unbending "inflexible, obstinate" (1680s), which does not derive from the bowstringing image.
  • As in relax : verb be or feel at ease
  • As in rest : verb be calm; sleep
  • As in stoop : verb condescend; lower oneself to another
  • As in straighten : verb put in neat or aligned order
  • As in thaw : verb unfreeze, warm
  • As in unfold : verb spread out
  • As in unwind : verb undo, untangle
  • As in condescend : verb stoop, humble oneself
Example sentences :
  • They felt they must unbend after the severe mental tension of the morning.
  • Extract from : « The Kentucky Ranger » by Edward T. Curnick
  • And be it remembered that our dear Doctor could unbend—that is, in fitting time and place.
  • Extract from : « The Dew of Their Youth » by S. R. Crockett
  • We had first to unreeve all the ropes, and unbend all the sails.
  • Extract from : « Peter Trawl » by W. H. G. Kingston
  • They had never before seen him unbend to anybody as he did to George.
  • Extract from : « George at the Fort » by Harry Castlemon
  • Dolly did not join in her mother's laugh nor unbend in the least.
  • Extract from : « The Marriage of Elinor » by Margaret Oliphant
  • She could relax and unbend again; she was safe from his cyclones.
  • Extract from : « The Fashionable Adventures of Joshua Craig » by David Graham Phillips
  • Margaret tried to laugh a little, with a lingering hope that he might unbend.
  • Extract from : « Fair Margaret » by Francis Marion Crawford
  • It was not to be expected that such a man as he should unbend as the reverend chairman did.
  • Extract from : « Salem Chapel, v.1/2 » by Mrs. Oliphant
  • How can I unbend him so he will be limber as he was this afternoon.
  • Extract from : « The Camp Fire Girls on a Yacht » by Margaret Love Sanderson
  • His duty was over, the great ship was in the harbor, and he could afford to unbend a little.
  • Extract from : « My Life » by Josiah Flynt

Synonyms for unbend

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019