unleash

verb

un·​leash ˌən-ˈlēsh How to pronounce unleash (audio)
unleashed; unleashing; unleashes
Synonyms of unleashnext

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.
Yet, lurking on social media, the appointment unleashed the all-too-familiar torrent of hate, sexism and misogyny. Sebastian Shukla, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026 Arfsten dribbled to the top of the penalty box, did a crossover then passed across to Rossi, who let the ball go to his left foot before unleashing a shot. Daily News, 23 Apr. 2026 Kirill Kaprizov corralled a puck in the offensive zone, unleashed a twisted wrist shot on net, and somehow fit the puck into a sliver of space top shelf. Dane Mizutani, Twin Cities, 23 Apr. 2026 Allowing people to explore and create possibilities beyond their initial scope invigorates the workplace by unleashing creativity, fostering growth, and inviting a collaborative spirit. Rebecca Ahmed, Big Think, 22 Apr. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Unleash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unleash. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.

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

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