straighten
[
streyt
-n]
/ˈstreɪt n/
verb (used with object), verb (used without object)
1.
to make or become
straight
in direction, form, position, character, conduct, condition, etc. (often followed by
up
or
out
).
Origin
1535-45;
straight
+
-en
1
Related forms
straightener,
noun
overstraighten,
verb
prestraighten,
verb (used with object)
restraighten,
verb
unstraightened,
adjective
well-straightened,
adjective
British Dictionary definitions for
straighten up
straighten up
verb
(
adverb
)
1.
to become or cause to become erect
2.
(
mainly US
) to reform or become reformed
straighten
/
ˈstreɪt
ə
n
/
verb
sometimes foll by
up or out
1.
to make or become straight
2.
(
transitive
) to make neat or tidy:
straighten your desk
Derived Forms
straightener,
noun
Word Origin and History for
straighten up
straighten
v.
1540s, from
straight
+
-en
(1). Related:
Straightened
;
straightening
.
Slang definitions & phrases for
straighten up
straighten up
verb phrase
CLEAN UP one's ACT
(1907+)
Idioms and Phrases with
straighten up
straighten up
Make tidy, as in
Let's get this room straightened up
.
[
Second half of 1800s
]