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

Synonyms

• loose
• loosen
• release
• uncork
• unlock
• unloose
• unloosen

Examples of unleash in a Sentence

The storm unleashed its fury.

The editorial unleashed a torrent of angry responses.

Recent Examples on the Web

That’s because Hollywood is set to unleash a steady stream of horror films from now till the end of August. —Randy Myers, Mercury News, 17 May 2025

The transaction will unleash billions of dollars in new infrastructure builds in communities across the country. —David Shepardson, USA Today, 17 May 2025

Hopefully, the new ensembles will unleash the beast inside these Red Sox… 2. —Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 16 May 2025

Sabally is primed for a bounce-back season in a system that is designed to unleash her full skill set. —Ben Pickman, New York Times, 15 May 2025

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