1make or become straight: [with object]:she helped him straighten his tie [no object]:here the road straightens and its verges widen
[no object] stand or sit erect after bending:he slowly straightened up, using the table for support
[no object] (straighten up) (of a vehicle, ship, or aircraft) stop turning and move in a straight line:it may be wise to straighten up and fly down wind a little
2 [with object] make tidy or put in order again:he sat down at his desk, straightening his things that Lee had movedthey are asking for help in straightening out their lives
