What does leash mean?
A leash is a strap, chain, or similar restraint used to guide or control a dog or other animal. The word also has a well-established figurative use: a person or organization may be said to be “on a leash” when their actions are closely supervised or restricted. Used as a verb, “to leash” means to restrain with a leash or, figuratively, to keep someone or something under tight control. For example, a dog may be kept on a short leash near traffic, while a business owner might prevent a manager from operating on too short a leash. The expression “on a loose leash” reverses the usual implication, suggesting control that is relaxed rather than absent. Although “lead” is often used for the strap attached to a walking dog, “leash” is broader and can refer to any restraint, making it especially useful in both literal animal-related contexts and discussions of authority, supervision, and independence.
A strap, chain, or similar restraint used to control or guide an animal.
"The dog pulled hard against its leash."
A “lead” is especially common in British English for the strap used to walk a dog, though the term is also used in American English.
A means of restraining or closely controlling a person, group, organization, or activity.
"The board placed the department on a tighter leash after the audit."
This figurative sense is common in formal and informal English and can range from close supervision to broad control.
To attach a leash to an animal or keep an animal restrained with one.
"He leashed the dog before opening the gate."
To restrain, limit, or closely control someone's actions.
"The new director avoided being leashed by the founders."
The figurative use is especially natural when discussing authority, management, or supervision.
The plural is used for multiple restraints and, figuratively, for separate systems of control or restriction.
"The city imposed tighter leashes on late-night businesses."
The phrase “on a loose leash” captures a common figurative idea: control that is present but relaxed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does leash come from?
The word comes through Middle English from Old French laesche, a borrowing associated with the language of hunting and falconry. It was ultimately connected with Latin laxa, meaning “loose,” an adjective related to modern English lax and other Latin-derived words concerning looseness or relaxation. The original sense referred to a strap or line used to restrain a hunting animal, and the figurative sense developed later from the idea of keeping someone under control.
Related word forms
How leash is actually used
“Leash” is common in both British and American English. In figurative use, it can describe either formal control or, in phrases such as “on a loose leash,” a degree of freedom within broad limits. The spelling is often confused with “lash.”
Easily confused with leash
A lead is a strap used to walk an animal, while a leash is more generally a restraint that may guide a dog or limit an animal's movement.
A leash restrains an animal, whereas a lash is a stroke, blow, or flexible strand.