Definition

To remove the ties or fastenings from something, making it loose or free.

Example

The sailor had to unlash the ropes before they could set sail.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Can you help me unlash this boat from the dock?

Sure! It looks pretty tightly secured.

Yeah, I didn’t realize how much I had tied it down.

No problem, let's just be careful while we do it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Unlash → It is formed from "un-" (meaning not or to reverse) and "lash" (from Old English "lasch", meaning to bind or tie). The word "unlash" means to reverse the action of binding or tying something.

Memory Tip

Think of 'un-' meaning to reverse and 'lash' meaning to tie — so unlash means to untie or release something that was bound.

Visually Confused Words