unleash

verb

un·​leash ˌən-ˈlēsh How to pronounce unleash (audio)
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 pointThe New York Times

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 Biden-Harris administration unleashed an aggressive Department of Justice and an even more proactive Federal Trade Commission led by Lina Khan that’s been quashing deals across industries from publishing to pharma to fashion. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Nov. 2024 Former President Donald Trump unleashed a series of misleading campaign promotions littered with falsehoods and disinformation as part of the final effort to pump up his bid for the presidency. David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 Loading your audio article WASHINGTON D.C. — Steph Curry returned after missing three games with a left ankle sprain, but the Warriors didn’t need to fully unleash him to discard the Wizards. Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 4 Nov. 2024 The speeches unleashed shockwaves just when Trump needed to stay smoothly on course. Shawn Tully, Fortune, 2 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near unleash

Cite this Entry

“Unleash.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unleash. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!