unwind

verb

un·​wind ˌən-ˈwīnd 

unwound ˌən-ˈwau̇nd  ; unwinding

transitive verb

1

a

: to cause to uncoil : wind off : unroll

b

: to free from or as if from a binding or wrapping

c

: to release from tension : relax

2

archaic : to trace to the end

unwinding the labryinth and bringing the hero out

—Laurence Sterne

3

: to undo (a financial arrangement or position) through the necessary legal or financial steps

unwound most of its natural gas hedges

—The New York Times

intransitive verb

1

: to become uncoiled or disentangled : unfold

2

: to become released from tension

take a bath to unwind

Synonyms

• chill
• chill out [slang]
• de-stress
• decompress
• loosen up
• mellow (out)
• relax
• wind down

Examples of unwind in a Sentence

She unwound some thread from the spool.

The fishing line unwound quickly.

I wanted to unwind after a hard day.

Recent Examples on the Web

One factor delaying a downtown renaissance is that some key properties are encumbered by securitized mortgages, which are taking time to unwind. —Marc Joffe, National Review, 12 Dec. 2024

The agency is seeking to unwind its acquisition of Instagram and Whatsapp. —Jody Godoy, USA TODAY, 10 Dec. 2024

Stress management: Mindfulness practices like meditation or taking breaks to unwind can reduce the effects of chronic stress. —Hannah Singleton, Health, 9 Dec. 2024

The New York Times Greatest Hits Of Monday Crossword Puzzles Luxury travelers who can’t break their crossword habit know there’s no better time to unwind with a good puzzle than a long flight or train ride. —Paula Conway, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Kids Definition

unwind

verb

un·​wind ˌən-ˈwīnd 

ˈən-

unwound -ˈwau̇nd  ; unwinding

1

a

: to cause to uncoil : wind off

b

: to become uncoiled or untangled

2

: to make or become free of tension : relax

wanted to unwind after a hard day