unclench

From Middle English unclenchen, equivalent to un- +‎ clench.

• IPA^(key): /ʌnˈklɛnt͡ʃ/
• Rhymes: -ɛntʃ

unclench (third-person singular simple present unclenches, present participle unclenching, simple past and past participle unclenched)

1. (transitive) To open (something that was clenched).

   The baby stopped crying and unclenched her fists.

   • 2019, Candice Carty-Williams, Queenie, Trapeze, page 330:

     I watched her clench and unclench her fists nervously.

2. (intransitive) To relax, especially one's muscles.

   Bill, take some deep breaths and unclench.