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.
The head of a medical watchdog group unleashed on Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) after a nurse at the school's hospital lost her job over TikTok videos that went viral for all the wrong reasons. Peter D'abrosca, FOXNews.com, 29 Jan. 2026 In the final few scenes of Wonder Man, Simon unleashes his powers to tear off Trevor's cell bars and release him. Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026 On several occasions, agents unleashed tear gas on crowds that were predominantly peaceful, Ellis said. Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN Money, 29 Jan. 2026 But right now, given the dark passions that have been unleashed within MAGA and the leader of the movement, who stokes those passions several times each day, the chances of large-scale depolarization are vanishingly small. Peter Wehner, The Atlantic, 29 Jan. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Unleash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unleash. Accessed 1 Feb. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on unleash

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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