English Reference

Word

unleashed

Phoneticsun·leashed

US/ənˈɫiʃt/

UK/ʌnlˈiːʃt/

Definitions

01freed from restraint

B2

adj. released from control or limits, often resulting in a powerful or sudden effect.

adj. released from physical, emotional, or social restraints; often used to describe powerful forces or emotions that are no longer contained.

“The unleashed power of the storm caused significant damage to the coastal town.”

“Once the new policy was announced, it unleashed a wave of public anger that the government had not anticipated.”

02without a leash

B1

adj. describes an animal, like a dog, that is not wearing a lead or leash.

adj. not restrained by a leash; typically used in the context of domestic animals in public spaces.

“The park has a special area where unleashed dogs can run and play safely.”

“Local ordinances require all pets to be restrained, yet several unleashed animals were spotted roaming the nature reserve.”

Synonyms

looseuntethered

Antonyms

leashedtethered

Real-World Examples

“The charity Save the Children has said the oil price shock unleashed by Donald Trump’s war on Iran is forcing it to “spend more to reach fewer children”.”
The Guardian · 4 Sept 2026
“A glacier unleashed a deadly flood earlier this week.”
The New York Times · 29 Aug 2026

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/unleashed

English Reference