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

Yet after initially acknowledging the economic struggle, the government once again accused the protesters of being foreign agents before unleashing one of the worst crackdowns in the Islamic Republic’s history. — Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2026

Meanwhile, Ontario Premier Doug Ford unleashed his own tirade. — ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026

For North Carolina, Saturday will be about growth from last year and the Tar Heels will also be unleashing an offense led by new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026

The German’s maiden Grand Slam victory in Paris seems to have unleashed an inner confidence within him, and his aim for this year and beyond is to go for his shots more. — Ava Wallace, New York Times, 23 Aug. 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