unleash

play

verb un·leash \ ˌən-ˈlēsh \

Definition of unleash

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

See unleash defined for English-language learners

See unleash defined for kids

Examples of unleash in a Sentence

The storm unleashed its fury.
The editorial unleashed a torrent of angry responses.

Recent Examples of unleash from the Web

Cashing in on rising drug prices often unleashes an outcry from consumers and politicians.

— randall smith, New York Times, "The Private Equity Firm That Quietly Profits on Top-Selling Drugs," 8 July 2017
A wrestler holding a microphone faced an Appalachian crowd before a match and began unleashing a torrent of insults, the nature of which seemed out of place at a pro wrestling tournament.

— travis m. andrews, chicagotribune.com, "Appalachian wrestling's new villain calls himself 'Progressive Liberal'," 28 June 2017
But the dispute unleashed a storm of protest that continued through this spring.

— dan levin, New York Times, "A Battle Over Prayer in Schools Tests Canada’s Multiculturalism," 25 June 2017
These sessions are designed to inspire and unleash individual youth potential and leadership, while also creating career development awareness, knowledge and opportunities.

— miamiherald, "Carlson Gracie Jiu-Jitsu medals at Miami Spring International," 25 June 2017
Heard in a bona fide jazz room where music takes top priority, Jones unleashes the full force of his pianistic gifts.

— howard reich, chicagotribune.com, "Piano wizard Mike Jones takes a break from Vegas," 22 June 2017
Last week, the city of Philadelphia unleashed a new pride flag, adding a brown and a black stripe to the already existing rainbow.

— phillip henry, Teen Vogue, "Philadelphia Pride Flag Opposition Is a Sign of Racism in the LGBTQ Community," 21 June 2017
Szczur, putting his entire body behind a throw, unleashed a strike from center field.

— dennis lin, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Austin Hedges exits game after home-plate collision with Cubs' Anthony Rizzo," 19 June 2017
The easy-going Koepka, 27, just comfortably settled in and unleashed his eye-opening power to get the better of Erin Hills and won the national championship on Sunday in record fashion.

— steve dimeglio, The Courier-Journal, "Brooks Koepka's worldwide golf odyssey culminates in U.S. Open title," 18 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'unleash.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of unleash

circa 1671

unleash Synonyms

Synonyms

loose, loosen, uncork, release, unlock, unloose, unloosen

UNLEASH Defined for English Language Learners

unleash

play

verb

Definition of unleash for English Language Learners

: to allow or cause (something very powerful) to happen suddenly
: to remove a leash from (an animal) so that it can freely run, attack someone, etc.

UNLEASH Defined for Kids

unleash

play

verb un·leash \ ˌən-ˈlēsh \

Definition of unleash for Students

unleashed; unleashing

:to free from or as if from a leash

A storm unleashed its fury.

Learn More about unleash

See words that rhyme with unleash Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for unleash Spanish Central: Translation of unleash Nglish: Translation of unleash for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of unleash for Arabic speakers

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unleash

Definition of unleash

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Examples of unleash in a Sentence

Recent Examples of unleash from the Web

First Known Use of unleash

unleash Synonyms

Synonyms

Antonyms

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UNLEASH Defined for English Language Learners

unleash

Definition of unleash for English Language Learners

UNLEASH Defined for Kids

unleash

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