wind up

wind up

verb

Definition of WIND UP

1

to bring (an event) to a natural or appropriate stopping point <try to wind up the performance, as we're almost out of time>

Synonyms close out, complete, conclude, end, finish, round (off or out), terminate, wind up, wrap up

Related Words climax, crown; consummate, perfect; halt, stop, suspend

Antonyms begin, commence, inaugurate, open, start

2

to come to an end <her speeches usually wind up with one last joke>

Synonyms break off, break up, close, conclude, dead-end, determine, die, discontinue, elapse, end, expire, finish, go, halt, lapse, leave off, let up, pass, quit, stop, terminate, wind up, wink (out)

Related Words desist (from), lay off (of), refrain (from); give over [British], knock off, pack (up or in); break down, conk (out), cut out, stall; pause, stay, suspend; abate, peter (out), wind down

Near Antonyms draw out, extend, prolong, protract

Antonyms continue, hang on, persist