unbend
Relax one's stiffness
Unbend means to straighten something that was curved or bent, or to relax from a state of tension or formality.
A bow unbends when released; a person unbends when they drop their stiff or reserved manner and become more approachable.
After a few drinks, even the CEO began to unbend.
The word captures both physical straightening and the easing of rigid social posture.
Straighten from spiral form
- untwistReverse rotational entanglement
- unfoldSpread open from closed
- unrollFlatten from spiral
- unfurlSpread out from rolled
extend · flatten · align · uncurl · stretch · elongate · level · smooth
Release accumulated tension
- decompressRelease stored pressure
- loosenReduce tension or grip
- easeLack of strain
- destressRelieve mental tension
chill · mellow · soften · release · let go · calm down · settle · breathe
Cease resistance or severity
thaw · warm · come around · open up · acquiesce · concede · compromise · accommodate
Prepare body for exercise
- loosen upBecome less tense
- open upReveal inner thoughts
- thawReturn to liquid
- mingleInteract socially with others
chat · converse · fraternize · socialize · get comfortable
uncoil
Straighten from spiral form
unfurl · extend · flatten · align · uncurl · stretch · elongate · level · smooth · rectify
unwind
Release accumulated tension
- decompressRelease stored pressure
- loosenReduce tension or grip
- easeLack of strain
destress · chill · mellow · soften · release · let go · calm down · settle · breathe · rest
relent
Cease resistance or severity
let up · thaw · warm · come around · open up · acquiesce · concede · compromise · accommodate · budge
warm up
Prepare body for exercise
mingle · chat · converse · fraternize · socialize · get comfortable