unshackle
Free from chains
To unshackle is to remove shackles or chains from someone—to set free from physical restraint.
The word appears most often in figurative contexts: unshackle the economy from regulation, unshackle creativity from convention.
The new policy unshackled businesses from outdated restrictions.
The opposite of shackle in both literal and metaphorical senses.
Grant freedom to
- freeWithout payment or restriction
- manumitFree from enslavement
- enfranchiseGrant voting rights
- abolitionFormal discontinuation of practice
liberation · autonomy · self-determination · sovereignty · independence · empowerment · disenthral · unfetter
Remove restraining links
- unlockOpen a secured closure
- uncuffRemove wrist restraints
- unboltSlide a bar open
- unbarRemove a securing bolt
unfasten · untether · unhook · unclasp · unlatch · unstrap · unbuckle · unpin
To release from restraint
- liberateSet free from captivity
- unburdenRemove a weight from
- freeWithout payment or restriction
- releaseTo let go
potential · creativity · imagination · spirit · mind · limitations · barriers · restrictions
emancipate
Grant freedom to
- freeWithout payment or restriction
- manumitFree from enslavement
- enfranchiseGrant voting rights
abolition · liberation · autonomy · self-determination · sovereignty · independence · empowerment · disenthral · unfetter · unyoke
unchain
Remove restraining links
unbar · unfasten · untether · unhook · unclasp · unlatch · unstrap · unbuckle · unpin · loosen
unleash
To release from restraint
release · potential · creativity · imagination · spirit · mind · limitations · barriers · restrictions · constraints
flee
Depart swiftly from threat
breakout · flight · exfiltrate · refuge · sanctuary · asylum · fugitive · getaway · freedom · prisoner