Unleash: meaning, definitions and examples

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unleash

 

[ ʌnˈliːʃ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

action

Release or set free from a restraint; bring out the full potential of.

Synonyms

free, liberate, release, set free.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unleash

Typically used when referring to releasing something powerful or intense, like emotions, forces, or energy.

  • The coach's motivational speech unleashed a new level of energy in the team.
  • Unleashing the hurricane's force caused catastrophic damage to the town.
release

Can be used in various contexts where someone or something is being let go or set free, including physical release, media releases, or emotional releases.

  • The company will release the new product next month.
  • He was finally able to release his pent-up feelings during the therapy session.
free

Used in general situations where the focus is on removing restrictions or giving liberty. It can also refer to making something available without cost.

  • The prisoner was finally free after serving his sentence.
  • The shelter aims to free animals from the terrible conditions they were in.
liberate

Often used in a formal or dramatic context, especially in political, social, or military situations where someone or something is freed from oppression or captivity.

  • The army was determined to liberate the occupied territory.
  • The activists fought to liberate the workers from unfair labor practices.
set free

A more casual or straightforward way to indicate that someone or something is being liberated from a situation or captivity.

  • They set the birds free from the cage.
  • The villagers worked together to set the captured soldier free.

Examples of usage

  • He unleashed his creativity and produced a masterpiece.
  • The new software update will unleash a range of new features.
  • She unleashed her anger on him after the argument.
Context #2 | Verb

emotions

Allow (a strong emotion or force) to be felt or expressed.

Synonyms

evoke, express, reveal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unleash

Use when referring to letting something out with force or intensity, often implying a sudden release of power or emotion.

  • The coach's speech unleashed a wave of motivation among the team.
  • The journalist's article unleashed public outrage.
express

Use when referring to conveying thoughts, feelings, or emotions clearly and directly.

  • He expressed his love for her through a heartfelt letter.
  • She found it difficult to express her frustration in words.
reveal

Use when talking about making something known that was previously hidden or unknown, often involving a discovery.

  • The magician revealed the card he had hidden in his pocket.
  • The investigation revealed shocking details about the case.
evoke

Use when talking about bringing a feeling, memory, or image to mind, typically in a subtle or indirect manner.

  • The old photograph evoked memories of her childhood.
  • The artist's music evokes a sense of nostalgia.

Examples of usage

  • The news unleashed a wave of excitement among the fans.
  • The movie unleashed a flood of tears from the audience.

Translations

Translations of the word "unleash" in other languages:

🇵🇹 liberar

🇮🇳 मुक्त करना

🇩🇪 freisetzen

🇮🇩 melepaskan

🇺🇦 звільнити

🇵🇱 uwolnić

🇯🇵 解放する (kaihō suru)

🇫🇷 libérer

🇪🇸 liberar

🇹🇷 serbest bırakmak

🇰🇷 풀어주다 (pureojuda)

🇸🇦 يحرر (yuḥarrir)

🇨🇿 uvolnit

🇸🇰 uvoľniť

🇨🇳 释放 (shìfàng)

🇸🇮 sprostiti

🇮🇸 leysa úr læðingi

🇰🇿 босату

🇬🇪 გათავისუფლება (gatavisupleba)

🇦🇿 azad etmək

🇲🇽 liberar

Etymology

The word 'unleash' originated from the combination of 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'leash' which comes from Middle English meaning 'a chain or strap attached to the collar of an animal'. The concept of 'unleashing' something refers to setting it free or releasing it from a physical or metaphorical restraint.

See also: leash, leashes, unleashed.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,523, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.