unwind
UK: ʌnˈwaɪnd | US: ʌnˈwaɪnd
vt. to undo or release something wound or twisted
vi. to relax or become less tense
vt. to reverse the winding process (e.g., a spool or clock)
unwind = un<reverse action> + wind<to twist>
- un-: A prefix from Old English "un-," meaning "not" or "reverse action." Here, it negates or reverses the action of "wind."
- wind: Derived from Old English "windan," meaning "to twist, wrap, or coil." Retains its core meaning of twisting motion.
Etymology Origin:
The word "unwind" originated in Old English as "unwindan," combining "un-" (reversal) with "windan" (to twist). It initially described physically unwrapping or uncoiling something (e.g., rope). By the 16th century, it gained figurative use for mental relaxation, likening stress release to untangling knots. The dual meaning reflects a logical progression from literal to metaphorical "loosening."
She unwound the scarf from her neck after entering the warm house.
He listens to music to unwind after a long day at work.
The mechanic carefully unwound the damaged wire from the engine.
It took hours to unwind the tangled yarn.
A weekend in the countryside helps me unwind completely.