straighten

/ˈstreɪtən/
verb
  1. To make something straight or not curved, bent, or twisted.
    • The mechanic straightened the bent bicycle wheel with a tool.
    • She used a comb to straighten her curly hair.
    • He straightened the picture frame so it hung level on the wall.
  2. To make something neat, tidy, or organized.
    • I need to straighten the papers on my desk before the meeting.
    • Please straighten your room before your grandparents arrive.
    • She straightened the cushions on the sofa after the kids left.
  3. To become straight or to change position so that one is standing or sitting upright.
    • The dog straightened its ears when it heard a noise.
    • After hours of bending over the garden, she straightened slowly and stretched.
    • He straightened his back and stood up tall.
  4. To improve one's behavior or character; to stop doing something wrong or illegal.
    • She decided to straighten her finances by creating a budget.
    • The counselor helped the teenager straighten his attitude at school.
    • After his arrest, he promised his family he would straighten his life.
Antonyms
What does "straighten" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean