unleash

/'ʌn'li:ʃ/

Thân thiện

The dog owner unleashes his energetic puppy in the fenced park.

Definition

1. Verb:
   • To release from a leash or restraint: To set free from physical confinement, particularly by removing a leash or similar restraint.
   • To set free from control or inhibition: To allow something powerful, often a force, emotion, or activity, to be expressed or to operate without constraint.
   • To release or vent something forcefully: To let out something, such as a strong emotion or a destructive force, in a sudden and powerful way.

Usage and Examples

• Releasing from physical restraint:

  • The handler decided to unleash the dog in the secure field.
  • The new policy will unleash a wave of innovation in the tech sector. (Figurative use meaning to remove restrictions)

• Setting free a powerful or destructive force:

  • The general's order unleashed a devastating artillery barrage.
  • The scandal unleashed a torrent of criticism against the government.

• Releasing or venting strong emotions:

  • After the argument, he unleashed his pent-up frustration.
  • The artist's new work unleashes a raw, emotional power.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Unleash something on/upon someone/something": This common collocation emphasizes the target of the released force or action.

  • The company unleashed its new marketing campaign on the public.
  • He unleashed a tirade of insults upon his opponent.

• The word often carries connotations of something powerful, potent, or potentially dangerous being set free. It is frequently used in contexts of war, nature, technology, creativity, and strong emotions.

Variants and Related Words

• Unleashed (adjective): Describes something that has been set free or is operating without restraint.
  • The unleashed power of the storm caused widespread damage.
• Leash (noun/verb): The restraint from which something is 'unleashed'.
  • Keep your dog on a leash in the park.

Synonyms

• Release: To set free from confinement.
• Unleash is stronger, implying a removal of restraint on something potent.
• Unchain: To remove chains or shackles.
• Unbridle: To remove a bridle (restraint) from a horse; often used figuratively like 'unleash'.
• Unfetter: To release from fetters or restraints.
• Let loose: A more informal phrase with a similar meaning.

Antonyms

• Restrain: To hold back or keep under control.
• Leash: To put or hold on a leash.
• Curb: To restrain or keep in check.
• Contain: To keep within limits.

Related Phrases and Collocations

• Unleash hell/power/chaos/fury: Common dramatic collocations highlighting the destructive or immense power being released.
  • The commander gave the order to unleash hell on the enemy positions.
• Unleash potential/creativity: Common positive collocations about releasing abilities or ideas.
  • The new program aims to unleash the creative potential of students.

Học thuật

Verb

1. turn loose or free from restraint
   • let loose mines
   • Loose terrible plagues upon humanity
2. release from a leash
   • unleash the dogs in the park
3. release or vent
   • unleash one's anger

Từ đồng nghĩa

• let loose
• loose