unclinch
Open tight fist
To unclinch is to release from a clinch—to loosen a grip, open a clenched fist, or separate bodies locked together.
Boxers unclinch when the referee breaks them apart.
The word applies to anything tightly fastened or held: She unclinched her jaw and took a breath.
Less common than unclench, which covers similar ground.
loosen
Reduce tension or grip
unfurl · slacken · disengage · let go · ease · unbend · ungrip · unlock · free · detach
soothe
Gently ease discomfort
- easeLack of strain
- relaxBecome less tense
- decompressRelease stored pressure
unwind · soften · mellow · settle · release · breathe · exhale · let go · destress · defuse
stress
Pressure, mental or vocal
clench · fist · jaw · muscles · knot · cramp · spasm · contraction · rigidity · stiffness