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

This soothing oil to calm your nerves Get this for the person in your life who has trouble unwinding and could use something to help melt away their stress (aka me). —Kate Kassin, Bon Appétit, 6 Nov. 2024

The interiors of these suites are filled with handcrafted and individually placed Greek marble pieces, including deep marble soaking tubs — the perfect way to unwind further at the end of the day. —Alessandra Amodio, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2024

Make unwinding together a routine, like watching a funny show, sharing amusing stories or even browsing funny videos. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024

Zoom out: For Wanda, the deal cements its retreat from the U.S. entertainment business and unwinds its most high-profile international acquisition. —Tim Baysinger, Axios, 14 Oct. 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