Meaning & use
unlashed
Last updated
“unlashed” is a form of “unlash”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meaning
verbtransitive
Untied or released something that had been tied with a rope or cord.
Grammar: Used with an object: unlashed the boat. It is the past tense form.
Patterns
- unlash something
- unlash something from something
The sailors unlashed the cargo before the storm hit.
She unlashed the canoe from the roof of the car.
He had unlashed the horses and led them to water.
Word forms
| third person singular | unlashes |
|---|---|
| past tense | unlashed |
| past participle | unlashed |
| present participle | unlashing |
Common combinations
- unlash a boat
- They unlashed the boat from the dock and rowed away.
- unlash the cargo
- Workers unlashed the cargo as soon as the ship docked.
- unlash something from something
- He unlashed the kayak from the roof rack.
Synonyms and how they differ
- untie
- More general and common; use 'untie' for knots, shoelaces, or ropes, while 'unlash' is specific to ropes securing something.
- loosen
- Means to make something less tight, not necessarily to remove the rope completely.
- release
- A broader term meaning to let something go free; 'unlash' is only about undoing rope fastenings.
Opposites
Word family
Commonly confused: unlashed or unleashed?
unlashed vs unleashed
Sounds similar but means 'set free from a leash' or 'suddenly released', often used figuratively (e.g., unleashed anger). 'Unlashed' is about ropes.
Practice
The crew _____ the lifeboat from its cradle and lowered it into the sea.
Choose one answer.
'Unlashed' fits because the lifeboat was tied with ropes. 'Unleashed' is for animals on leashes or figurative forces, 'unlatched' is for doors or gates, and 'unloaded' means removed cargo.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “unlashed”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.