uncoiling

Releasing from loops

Uncoiling is the act of straightening or releasing something wound in a spiral—a rope, a snake, a garden hose.

The word captures both the action and the process: The snake lay uncoiling in the sun.

Figuratively, tension or energy may uncoil: Years of resentment came uncoiling out of her.

unwinding

unwinding

Releasing coiled tension

unfurlingOpening from rolled state
unravelingProcess of coming undone
unspoolingReleasing from coil

untwisting · straightening · loosening · uncurling · disentangling · unfastening · unbinding · unrolling · releasing · extending

emotional

releasing

Allowing to escape

decompressingReleasing built-up tension
relaxingBecoming less tense
letting goReleasing one's grasp

opening up · unburdening · thawing · softening · easing · calming · unwinding · destressing · surrendering · exhaling

serpentine

snake

Limbless scaled reptile

serpentCunning, limbless reptile
pythonNonvenomous squeezing snake
cobraHooded venomous serpent

viper · boa · constrictor · slithering · scales · coils · striking · hissing · basking · shedding

mechanical

spring

Recoiling metal spiral

wireThin metallic conductor
cableHeavy-duty woven line
hoseFlexible fluid conduit

rope · cord · tubing · filament · spiral · tension · elasticity · bounce · compression · metal

Categories

straighteningunbending, uncurling, unfolding, untwisting, flattening
swing mechanicsgolf swing, backswing, downswing, follow through, full swing
movementwalk, move, go, run, jump
body movementsflexion, bend, twist, standing, extension
deformingbending, twisting, warping, curving, folding

Opposites

physical configuration

uncoilingcoiling

Looping around repeatedly

winding · curling · winding up · spiraling · twisting

tension and compression

uncoilingtightening

Making less loose

compressing · tensing · contracting · winding up · springing

Family

coil, recoil, coiled, uncoil, coiling, recoiling, recoils, recoiled, uncoiled

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G