Hypertext Webster Gateway: "unbend"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Unbend \Un*bend"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Unbent}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Unbending}.] [1st pref. un- + bend.]
1. To free from flexure; to make, or allow to become,
straight; to loosen; as, to unbend a bow.
2. A remit from a strain or from exertion; to set at ease for
a time; to relax; as, to unbend the mind from study or
care.
You do unbend your noble strength. --Shak.
3. (Naut.)
(a) To unfasten, as sails, from the spars or stays to
which they are attached for use.
(b) To cast loose or untie, as a rope.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Unbend \Un*bend"\, v. i.
1. To cease to be bent; to become straight or relaxed.
2. To relax in exertion, attention, severity, or the like;
hence, to indulge in mirth or amusement.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
unbend
v 1: straighten up or out; make straight [syn: {straighten}]
[ant: {bend}]
2: unfasten, as a sail, from a spar or a stay
3: free from flexure, as of a bow [ant: {bend}]
4: make less tight; "relax the tension on the rope" [syn: {relax}]
5: become less tense; "He relaxed in the hot tub" [syn: {relax},
{loosen up}, {unwind}, {decompress}, {slow down}] [ant: {tense}]
6: release from mental strain, tension, or formality; "unbend
the mind from absorbing too much information"
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