to unleash / unbind
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to unleash
(figurative) To release powerful forces, emotions, or processes that often have a tremendous and hard-to-control effect.
Die Rede des Aktivisten entfesselte eine Welle von Protesten im ganzen Land.
The activist's speech unleashed a wave of protests across the country.
The verb is derived from the noun 'die Fessel' (a chain or rope used for binding). The prefix 'ent-' here means 'to take away' or 'to free from'. So 'entfesseln' literally means 'to free from bonds'.
Der Held konnte den Gefangenen entfesseln.
The hero was able to unbind the prisoner.
'Entfesseln' (to unleash / unbind) is an inseparable verb because it begins with 'ent-'. The prefix remains firmly attached to the verb stem in all sentence forms and tenses.
Die neue Technologie entfesselte eine Revolution in der Industrie.
The new technology unleashed a revolution in the industry.
You can recognize the figurative meaning from the object of the verb. If it is something abstract and powerful like 'Krieg' (war), 'Debatte' (debate), 'Kräfte' (forces), or 'Sturm' (storm), this meaning is always intended.
Seine unbedachte Äußerung entfesselte eine hitzige Debatte.
His careless remark unleashed a heated debate.
In the figurative sense, 'entfesseln' (to unleash) is often combined with strong, dynamic, and hard-to-control processes. Common phrases are: 'einen Sturm entfesseln' (to unleash a storm), 'eine Diskussion entfesseln' (to unleash a discussion), 'Kräfte entfesseln' (to unleash forces), or 'Leidenschaften entfesseln' (to unleash passions).
Der Trainer versuchte, den Kampfgeist seiner Mannschaft zu entfesseln.
The coach tried to unleash his team's fighting spirit.
to free
'befreien' and 'entfesseln' can both mean that someone or something is released from a physical restraint. 'befreien' is more general and works for many kinds of captivity, danger, or restriction. 'entfesseln' is more specific when actual shackles, ropes, or similar restraints are being removed. Learners may confuse the words because 'entfesseln' in this sense is a kind of freeing. But if shackles or a similar restraint are not involved, 'befreien' is usually the right word.
Nach der Übung hat der Trainer den Hund wieder entfesselt.
After the exercise, the trainer unbound the dog again.
Die Helfer befreien die Katze aus dem engen Rohr.
The helpers free the cat from the narrow pipe.