unleash

/ʌnˈliːʃ/ (bre, ipa) · [ənlˈiʃ] /ʌnˈliːʃ/ (ame, ipa) · [ənlˈiʃ] /ˌən-ˈlēsh How to pronounce unleash (audio)/ (ame, mw)

unleash — verb

  • unleashpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • unleasheshe / she / it
  • unleashedpast simple
  • unleashing-ing form

1. to make a powerful force, feeling, or chain of events start acting at full stren

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to make a powerful force, feeling, or chain of events start acting at full strength very quickly.

例句

The minister's speech unleashed fresh protests across the capital by nightfall.

unleash + event/result

One careless joke unleashed years of anger at the family dinner.

同義詞
  • trigger

    often used when one event causes another to begin.

  • spark

    suggests a smaller starting point that grows into a larger reaction.

  • set off

    common for causing a reaction, alarm, or chain of events.

反義詞
  • contain

    focuses on keeping a force or reaction under control.

  • curb

    suggests limiting something before it spreads further.

文法句型

unleash + noun

unleash + noun + on/against + target

用法筆記

The subject is often an event, speech, policy change, or weather shift, and the object is usually something strong and hard to control, such as anger, violence, panic, or criticism. Distinct from sense 2 because the object is usually an abstract force, not a person or animal being set free.

常見錯誤

❌The speech unleashed to the crowd's anger.
✅The speech unleashed the crowd's anger.
💡'unleash' takes the force or reaction as its direct object, without 'to'.

2. to remove the control that was holding a person, animal, or thing back, especial

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to remove the control that was holding a person, animal, or thing back, especially by taking off a leash or similar restraint.

例句

Karim bent down to unleash the dog when the park gate opened.

literal: remove a leash or restraint

The ranger unleashed two rescue horses after the truck reached camp.

同義詞
  • release

    general word for letting something go free.

  • free

    emphasizes removal of control or confinement.

  • let loose

    close in meaning, often slightly more informal.

反義詞
  • leash

    means to put or keep an animal under control with a leash.

  • restrain

    broader word for preventing movement or action.

文法句型

unleash + animal

unleash + noun + for/into + activity

用法筆記

This literal sense usually has an animal or something physically held back as its object. It often appears before running, chasing, guarding, or hunting actions. Distinct from sense 1 because the object itself is being freed, not an abstract force being set in motion.

3. to send shots, words, or another strong attack toward a target in a sudden, forc

3.動詞及物C1
釋義

to send shots, words, or another strong attack toward a target in a sudden, forceful burst.

例句

The soldiers unleashed arrows from the wall when the gate broke.

unleash + weapon/attack

A fighter jet unleashed two missiles over the empty desert range.

同義詞
  • fire

    common for bullets, missiles, or other weapons.

  • launch

    often used for missiles, attacks, or formal criticism.

  • hurl

    stronger for words or objects thrown with force.

反義詞
  • withhold

    means not sending out the attack or words.

  • hold back

    suggests keeping the force from being used.

文法句型

unleash + weapon/attack

unleash + noun + at/on + target

用法筆記

This sense is often used for weapons, attacks, or a burst of criticism aimed at someone or something. A target often follows with 'at' or 'on'. Distinct from sense 1 because the action is directed outward at a clear target instead of simply starting a wider reaction.

常見錯誤

❌The crowd unleashed at the referee.
✅The crowd unleashed insults at the referee.
💡'unleash' needs the attack, weapon, or words as its object, not only the target.