Unleash
/ʌnˈliːʃ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo release from a leash or restraint; to allow to move freely.
/ʌnˈliːʃ/
To release from a leash or restraint.
The zookeeper unleashed the lion into the enclosure.
💡 Simply: Think of a dog on a leash. Unleash means to take the leash off so the dog can run around! You could unleash a dog, a bird or a group of people!
👶 For kids: To let something go free, like taking the leash off a dog!
More Examples
She unleashed her anger on the waiter after the food arrived cold.
The company unleashed a new product onto the market.
How It's Used
"The dog was unleashed in the park."
"The trainer unleashed the falcon."
To release or allow to be released (something powerful) such as a strong emotion or a destructive force; to cause something to happen suddenly and forcefully.
/ʌnˈliːʃ/
To release a powerful force or emotion.
The company unleashed a new advertising campaign.
💡 Simply: Imagine a volcano erupting and lava coming out. Unleash, in this way, means to suddenly let something powerful and strong happen. This could be a burst of anger, an idea, or even a new invention!.
👶 For kids: To let something very strong out, like a big wave or your happy feelings!
More Examples
The government unleashed economic reforms.
The unexpected events unleashed a wave of protests.
How It's Used
"The politician unleashed a torrent of criticism."
"The country unleashed its military might."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
Unleash the hounds
To start a pursuit or attack; to initiate a forceful action, often of a negative nature.
"The media, after the scandal was revealed, unleashed the hounds and pursued the story relentlessly."
From Middle English *unleshen*, from Old English *unlǣsan* meaning 'to unloose, release', from *un-* (not) + *lǣsan* (to loose, release).
Historically, the word was primarily used in its literal sense of releasing from a leash, but the figurative sense gained prominence in the 20th century.
Memory tip
Imagine a dog, previously chained, now happily running free after its leash is UNLEASHED.