straighten

[ streyt-n ]
/ ˈstreɪt n /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR straighten ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with or without object)

to make or become straight in direction, form, position, character, conduct, condition, etc. (often followed by up or out).

Origin of straighten

First recorded in 1535–45; straight + -en1

OTHER WORDS FROM straighten

Words nearby straighten

straight-laced, straight-line, straight-out, straightaway, straightedge, straighten, straighten out, straighten up, straightforward, straightjacket, straightneck

Words related to straighten out

passionately, sincerely, earnestly, vigorously, actively, advance, upgrade, develop, help, reform, rise, recover, revamp, increase, lift, progress, better, enhance, promote, boost

British Dictionary definitions for straighten out (1 of 2)

straighten out

verb (adverb)

to make or become less complicated or confused the situation will straighten out
US and Canadian to reform or become reformed

British Dictionary definitions for straighten out (2 of 2)

straighten
/ (ˈstreɪtən) /

verb (sometimes foll by up or out)

to make or become straight
(tr) to make neat or tidy straighten your desk

Derived forms of straighten

straightener, noun

Idioms and Phrases with straighten out

straighten out
1

Clear up disorder, a confusion, or a misunderstanding, as in This is an awful mess; I hope you'll straighten it out, or I don't understand; please straighten me out. [Late 1800s]

2

Adopt an honest, upright course, as in He's only sixteen; I'm sure he'll straighten out before long. [First half of 1900s]