un ‧ wind /ʌnˈwaɪnd/ BrE AmE verb ( past tense and past participle unwound /-ˈwaʊnd/)
1 . [intransitive] to relax and stop feeling anxious:
a beautiful country hotel that is the perfect place to unwind
2 . [intransitive and transitive] to undo something that has been wrapped around something else, or to become undone after being wrapped around something:
She started to unwind her scarf.
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THESAURUS
▪ relax to rest or do something that is enjoyable after you have been working:
In the evenings, I like to relax with some music and a nice meal.
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In two weeks’ time I’ll be relaxing on a beach in Greece.
▪ rest to stop working or stop being active, and sit down or lie down so that you become less tired:
If you’re tired, we’ll stop and rest for a while.
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The doctor told me to take some time off work and try to rest.
▪ unwind to gradually relax after you have been working hard or feeling anxious:
It had been a bad day and he just wanted to get home and unwind.
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Set in spectacular countryside, the Shiga Hotel is the perfect place to unwind.
▪ take it/things easy to relax and not do very much, especially after working very hard or being ill:
Now that you’ve finished your exams, you can take it easy.
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The doctor said he’ll have to take things easy for while.
▪ put your feet up informal to rest for a short time after a tiring activity, especially by sitting with your feet resting on something:
Kate poured herself a drink and put her feet up.
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When you’re pregnant and doing a full-time job, you must find time to put your feet up.
▪ chill out/chill informal to relax completely, or stop worrying and getting annoyed about things - used mainly by young people:
We spent the day chilling out by the pool.
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Hey dude, chill out! It’s only a car!
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It’s a great place to chill out.
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Let’s go back to my place and chill.
▪ loosen up informal to become more relaxed and stop worrying about things:
I keep telling Mum that she needs to loosen up a bit.
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Tom had had a few drinks and was beginning to loosen up.
▪ put somebody at ease/make somebody feel at ease to make someone feel relaxed, especially in a situation in which they might feel a little nervous:
A good interviewer will try to make you feel at ease.
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His friendly manner always puts people at their ease.