ˈstrāt ə n verb
( straightened ; straightened ; straightening -t( ə )niŋ ; straightens )
Etymology: straight (II) + -en
transitive verb
: to make straight: as
a. : to alter from a crooked to a straight form : cause to become straight or extended
exercise helped to straighten the injured arm
— sometimes used with out
straightened himself out on the couch
b. : to make correct : put in order — usually used with out or up
straighten out your accounts
had to straighten up the house
the doctor straightened out her trouble
c. : to put on the correct road or course (as by reforming or explaining) — usually used with out
discipline without love never straightened out anyone
he misunderstood but a few words should straighten him out
intransitive verb
: to become straight: as
a. : to bring the body to an erect position
the wilting flowers straightened in the rain
— usually used with up
straighten up, there's no excuse for slouching
b. : to alter for the better : reach a desirable adjustment — usually used with out and sometimes with up
determined to straighten up and make something of himself
these problems tend to straighten out automatically
•
- straighten one's face