unbend (unbends, present participle unbending; past and past participle unbent)

1. To remove a bend so as to make, or allow to become, straight

   to unbend a bow

2. To release (a load) from a strain or from exertion; to set at ease for a time; to relax.

   to unbend the mind from study or care

   • c. 1606, William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Macbeth”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies: Published According to the True Originall Copies (First Folio), London: Printed by Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, OCLC 606515358 ↗, [Act II, scene ii]:

     You do unbend your noble strength.

3. (nautical) To unfasten sails from the spars or stays to which are attached for use.
4. To cast loose or untie

   Unbend the rope.

5. To cease to be bent; to become straight.
6. To relax in exertion, attention, severity, or the like
   • 1918, Edgar Rice Burroughs, The Land That Time Forgot, Chapter VI

     He spent the afternoon shaping a swagger-stick from the branch of jarrah and talking with Miss La Rue, who had sufficiently unbent toward him to notice his existence.

7. (archaic) to enjoy oneself; to become affable and free from formality

• Italian: svergare