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Unleash: meaning, definitions and examples

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unleash

 

[ʌnˈliːʃ ]

Definitions

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word stems from the Old English 'unleascan', meaning to remove a leash from a dog.
  • Combining 'un-' (not) and 'leash' indicates the action of taking something off a restraint.
  • It appeared in English literature as early as the 14th century, evolving in meaning to refer more broadly to releasing anything.

Pop Culture

  • Songs and movies often use 'unleash' to convey themes of freedom and empowerment, like in iconic superhero narratives.
  • The phrase 'unleash the beast' is popularly used in sports and entertainment, symbolizing releasing one's full potential.
  • Video games commonly incorporate the term, urging players to 'unleash' special powers or abilities.

Psychology

  • In personal growth, 'unleashing' refers to letting go of fears or doubts to embrace one's true self.
  • Therapeutic settings use the concept to encourage clients to 'unleash' their emotions, promoting healing and understanding.
  • Research indicates that expressing suppressed emotions can lead to better mental health outcomes, essentially 'unleashing' feelings.

Literature

  • Many literary works theme around the concept of unleashing potential, such as in stories of characters discovering their strengths.
  • Famous quotes, like 'unleash your imagination,' inspire artistic expression and creativity.
  • Metaphorical uses of 'unleashing' in poetry often symbolize the breaking of boundaries or societal constraints.

Science

  • In physics, 'unleashing' can refer to releasing stored energy, like during an explosive reaction.
  • The concept of 'unleashing innovation' is common in technology, where ideas previously held back lead to breakthroughs.
  • In ecology, 'unleashing' wild animals back into their natural habitats is a part of conservation efforts.

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

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.