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 up

blossom, boost, develop, grow, mature, amend, fix, remedy, redress, improve, control, readjust, standardize, monitor, rectify, oversee, govern, administer, adjust, determine

British Dictionary definitions for straighten up (1 of 2)

straighten up

verb (adverb)

to become or cause to become erect
mainly US to reform or become reformed

British Dictionary definitions for straighten up (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 up

straighten up

Make tidy, as in Let's get this room straightened up. [Second half of 1800s]