unclench
Let go, relax
To unclench is to release from a clenched position—to relax muscles that were tightly contracted.
You unclench a fist, unclench your jaw, unclench your teeth.
The word often appears in contexts of releasing tension or anger: She took a breath and unclenched her hands.
Figuratively, to unclench is to let go of stress or rigid control: You need to unclench and enjoy yourself.
Tightly closed hand
teeth · muscles · knuckles · palms · shoulders · release · loosen · relax
Releasing one's grasp
- surrenderCease resistance, yield
- exhaleExpel breath outward
- reliefEasing of distress
- unburdeningRelieving oneself of weight
freeing · loosening · relaxation · decompression · unwinding · softening · opening · liberation
Free from agitation
- peaceFreedom from disturbance
- acceptanceConsent to receive
- forgivenessReleasing resentment toward offenders
- trustConfidence in another
vulnerability · openness · composure · equanimity · serenity · healing · processing · mindfulness
fist
Tightly closed hand
fingers · teeth · muscles · knuckles · palms · shoulders · release · loosen · relax · open
letting go
Releasing one's grasp
unburdening · freeing · loosening · relaxation · decompression · unwinding · softening · opening · liberation · yielding
calm
Free from agitation
- peaceFreedom from disturbance
- acceptanceConsent to receive
- forgivenessReleasing resentment toward offenders
trust · vulnerability · openness · composure · equanimity · serenity · healing · processing · mindfulness · breathing
stress
Pressure, mental or vocal
- anxietyPersistent apprehensive distress
- tightnessState of being constricted
- strainExcessive stretching force
rigidity · stiffness · nervousness · pressure · contraction · worry · agitation · unease · edginess · restlessness