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.
to unbind
To free someone or something from shackles or other physical restraints.
Dem Zauberkünstler gelang es, sich in weniger als einer Minute zu entfesseln.
The magician managed to unbind himself in less than a minute.
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 solve / loosen
Lösen emphasizes loosening or opening a binding. Entfesseln places more emphasis on freeing someone or something from restraints. Use lösen for a knot or a fastened cord, and entfesseln for actually freeing someone from shackles or other restraints.
Die Helfer konnten den Gefangenen schnell von seinen Fesseln entfesseln.
The helpers were able to quickly free the prisoner from his restraints.
Sie konnte den festen Knoten an seinen Händen vorsichtig lösen.
She was able to carefully untie the tight knot around his hands.
