unleash

verb

un·​leash ˌən-ˈlēsh 

unleashed; unleashing; unleashes

transitive verb

1

: to free from or as if from a leash : let loose

unleash the dogs

unleashing his anger

2

: to throw, shoot, or set in motion forcefully

… unleashed a superb shot … to earn his side a point.

—The New York Times

3

: to allow or cause (something powerful) to happen suddenly

The storm unleashed its fury.

The editorial unleashed a flood/torrent of angry responses.

Synonyms of unleash

• loosen
• release
• unlock

Examples of unleash in a Sentence

The storm unleashed its fury.

The editorial unleashed a torrent of angry responses.

Recent Examples on the Web

At least Pandora’s box only unleashed all imaginable evil and suffering across a single world. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2026

Prioritizing identity infrastructure is what unleashes this technology safely. — Caryn Seidman Becker, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026

In a statement, spokesperson Kollin Crompton said GOP governors and candidates remain focused on lowering taxes, unleashing American energy and keeping communities safe. — Kevin Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026

The violence unleashed there had motivated her to take on a new mission – making Juneteenth a national holiday. — Briauna Brown, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1671, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for unleash

• pastiche
• leash
• quiche

Kids Definition

unleash

verb

un·​leash ˌən-ˈlēsh 

: to free from or as if from a leash

unleash a dog

the storm unleashed its fury