verb
Uncommon
unleash
uhn-LEESH
Unleash (verb) means to release from a leash or restraint. Example: “She unleashed the dog once they reached the open field.”
verb
1
To release from a leash or restraint.
"She unleashed the dog once they reached the open field."
2
To suddenly let loose a force, emotion, or effect.
"The announcement unleashed a wave of protests across the country."
"The new engine unleashes far more power than the old model."
How to use unleash
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo set something free so it can act at full force, whether that's a dog or an emotion or a reaction.
Common pairings
unleash a storm
unleash chaos
unleash potential
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- unleashes
- Past tense
- unleashed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She _____ the dog once they reached the open field.
Etymology
From "un-" + "leash."
Synonyms
View more →
loose
let loose
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for unleash
See all rhymes for unleash →Frequently asked questions
What does “unleash” mean?
The word “unleash” means to release from a leash or restraint. In plain terms, to set something free so it can act at full force, whether that's a dog or an emotion or a reaction.
How do you pronounce “unleash”?
“Unleash” is pronounced uhn-LEESH (/ʌnˈliʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “unleash” in a sentence?
Here is “unleash” used in a sentence: “She unleashed the dog once they reached the open field.”
What part of speech is “unleash”?
“Unleash” is a verb.
Is “unleash” a common word?
“Unleash” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “unleash” have?
“Unleash” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to release from a leash or restraint.
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