Skip to main content
to unlash

to unlash

7.4
Untie rope or straps that hold something in place
  • verb
  • /ʌnˈlæʃ/
translation icon : desatar
  • She unlashed the straps holding down the luggage in the back of the truck.

Examples

  • Mike unlashes the boat and steers it out to the decoys.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • Begins unlashing the crate.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • I'll need some hands to get them unlashed.

  • The jailers unlash the thongs on Robin's hands.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • Jack unlashes his gun and strokes it fondly.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • He unlashes it and hoists it to his shoulder.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • Halfway between the anchorage and the Brooklyn tower, Farrington unlashed himself and stood up on the chair's narrow board seat to wave and doff his hat to the thousands of cheering people following him at a run through the streets.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • The sailor had to unlash the boat from the dock before they could leave.

  • After securing the items for transport, he remembered to unlash them before unloading.

Synonyms

to untie
vsto unlash
91 1.0

Make a knot or lace loose by undoing it

removes rope lashings and straps rather than focusing only on a knot
to unfasten
vsto unlash
5 3.4

To open something by undoing a button or zipper

is used for removing lashings specifically from secured objects
to unhitch
vsto unlash
4 5.7

To take off something that is attached to another thing, like a trailer or bicycle

is broader used to remove lashings rather than only freeing a hooked link
to unstrap
vsto unlash
4 3.9

To take off a belt or band that holds something in place

is used for removing lashings that include straps and tied bindings
to unbind
vsto unlash
3 6.4

To free something by untying ropes or cords

covers removing rope lashings and straps rather than general release
to unlace
vsto unlash
3 3.8

To untie strings that close shoes or clothing

applies to rope lashings and straps rather than decorative clothing ties
to untether
vsto unlash
1 6.6

To release something that is tied or fastened so it can move away

focuses on removing rope lashings and straps rather than mere disconnection
to unknot
vsto unlash
1 5.1

To make a tied rope or string loose so it comes apart

focuses on removing lashings rather than only solving tangled knots
to unloose (a) knot
vsto unlash
  • Archaic
5.9

To untie a knot so it comes apart

applies to taking off lashings or straps rather than only slight release
to unbend
vsto unlash
  • Specialized
9.9

Remove a sail from a pole or rope that holds it

is about removing lashings from objects rather than freeing sails only
to unloosen
vsto unlash
  • Archaic
7.2

To make something less tight or free it from something holding it

involves fully taking off lashings rather than only making them less tight

Antonyms

14 4.7

To fasten something securely with rope or cord

Surface Forms

unlash infinitive
unlashed past
unlashed past participle
unlashing present participle
unlashes third person singular

Morphology

unlash = lash (transparent) = un + lash

A straightforward negation prefix 'un-' applied to the verb 'lash' yields the meaning 'to undo the lashing', which is directly derivable.

Etymology

Unlash combines the prefix un- meaning 'remove' and the verb lash, which means 'to tie down' or 'secure with rope', as in a 'lashing' that holds cargo. So to unlash is to take off the ropes and free something.