unchain

verb

un·​chain ˌən-ˈchān How to pronounce unchain (audio)
unchained; unchaining; unchains
Synonyms of unchainnext

transitive verb

: to free by or as if by removing a chain : set loose
unchain workers from their desks

Synonyms

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Examples of unchain in a Sentence

activists for animal rights who would like to unchain zoo animals and return them to the wild
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
When Henson refused to unchain herself from the fence, California Highway Patrol arrested her. — Kate Talerico, The Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2024 Max eventually unchains himself and helps Furiosa in her quest to free the cult leader's wives, gaining mutual respect along the way. — Ew Staff, EW.com, 3 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unchain was in 1582

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unchain
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Cite this Entry

“Unchain.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unchain. Accessed 21 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

unchain

verb
un·​chain ˌən-ˈchān How to pronounce unchain (audio)
ˈən-
: to free by or as if by removing a chain : set loose
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