Break away: this is when something is being held in place, tied in place, and then it gets separated. The boat may break away from the dock in the storm.
People from the past are everywhere doing somewhat unholy things, and the wise have always paid these spirits enough attention to loosen their grip in order to enable them to get on with their lives.
Her hand relinquished the rope of hair and dropped to her side, and the pile of tresses, no longer supported, fell from the crown of her head about her shoulders and over the white nightgown.
The officer got into the boat, with his wife and child; but he told the sailors to hold the Newfoundland dog tight by the collar till the boat was some distance from the ship.