unwind
Meaning(s)
1. relax after a period of work or tension
Popularity
Medium
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
unwind after a stressful day
Analysis
The verb 'unwind' means to undo the process of winding something. You can 'unwind a scarf' from around your neck or 'unwind' a coil or spring or unwind ivy from around a tree for example. 'To unwind' also means 'to relax' particularly after a period of tension or stress. Similar in meaning to 'loosen up', 'decompress' or 'destress'.
Social Examples (Basic)
- After a long, stressful day in work, Mary went to the sauna to unwind.
- Yoga and exercise are excellent ways to unwind following examinations.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- Providing rest pods, a company canteen and tea and coffee stations are all ways to help your employees to unwind during the working day.
- We had to unwind a lot of cables before we found the problem. It's going to take a while to put back together again.