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unleash

verb

un·​leash ˌən-ˈlēsh How to pronounce unleash (audio)
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.

Examples of unleash in a Sentence

The storm unleashed its fury. The editorial unleashed a torrent of angry responses.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At the end of Doctor Sleep — stop reading to avoid spoilers — Danny is able to open his mental lockbox to unleash the Overlook spirits on the True Knot. Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 24 Nov. 2025 Elphaba is furious and unleashes her powers — freeing the animals and causing a stampede, which ends the wedding festivities abruptly. Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 23 Nov. 2025 Zootopia 2 is set to unleash the beasts at home and abroad on Friday. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Nov. 2025 Weigman has revived his career in Houston with Fritz unleashing him as a rusher, and Weigman has responded with a career-high 409 yards. Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for unleash

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1671, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of unleash was circa 1671

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unleash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unleash. Accessed 27 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

unleash

verb
un·​leash ˌən-ˈlēsh How to pronounce unleash (audio)
: to free from or as if from a leash
unleash a dog
the storm unleashed its fury

More from Merriam-Webster on unleash

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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