Unwound: meaning, definitions and examples

A general term used to describe becoming less tense or anxious. It can be used in many different situations, from taking a break to enjoying leisure activities.

• I like to relax by watching some TV
• Just sit down and relax for a while

Used when someone needs to reduce their stress levels, often through specific activities or techniques aimed at reducing tension.

• She practices yoga to de-stress after work
• Taking a hot bath helps me de-stress

Casual and informal, this term is often used in social situations to suggest someone should calm down or relax. It's a common phrase among friends and in more relaxed settings.

• "You need to chill out, it's not a big deal
• " After the meeting, we all decided to chill out at the café

This word is typically used when something that is coiled or wrapped, such as a rope or a bandage, is not coiled or wrapped anymore. It can also refer to someone relaxing after being stressed.

• He unwound the bandage from his arm.
• After a long week at work, she finally unwound at the beach.

Use when something tangled, like hair or wires, is made free from knots. This word typically indicates the removal of physical entanglements.

• She had to untangle the earphones before using them.
• The fishermen spent hours untangling their nets.

Straighten is used when something that is bent or in disorder is made straight or put in order.

• She needed to straighten the bent wire to fix the gadget.
• He tried to straighten out his room before his guests arrived.

Unravel is often used when something like a piece of fabric or a mystery is disentangled or solved. It can have a slightly negative connotation if implying something is falling apart or becoming undone.

• She watched in horror as her knitting began to unravel.
• The detective was able to unravel the mystery behind the crime.