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

The lone goal came from midfielder Stephen Eustáquio, who unleashed a strike from outside the box in the 92nd minute. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 4 July 2026

Onstage, Shakira unleashed her inner rock star during the song, working the stage and the mic stand in a purple corset and matching fringe pants and whipping her lengthy curls like a weapon. — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 7 July 2026

Between courses, a master cooper treated us to a fire-barreling demonstration, unleashing tall jets of flame that shot to the ceiling and filled the air with the aroma of charred oak. — Justin Meneguzzi, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026

Bill Clinton for a television show; his selection unleashes a tempest of criticism by professional journalists. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 July 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