verb re·lease \ri-ˈlēs\

: to allow (a person or animal) to leave a jail, cage, prison, etc. : to set (someone or something) free

: to stop holding (someone or something)

: to allow (a substance) to enter the air, water, soil, etc.


Full Definition of RELEASE

transitive verb
:  to set free from restraint, confinement, or servitude <release hostages> <release pent-up emotions> <release the brakes>; also :  to let go :  dismiss <released from her job>
:  to relieve from something that confines, burdens, or oppresses <was released from her promise>
:  to give up in favor of another :  relinquish <release a claim to property>
:  to give permission for publication, performance, exhibition, or sale of; also :  to make available to the public <the commission released its findings> <release a new movie>
intransitive verb
:  to move from one's normal position (as in football or basketball) in order to assume another position or to perform a second assignment
re·leas·able \-ˈlē-sə-bəl\ adjective

Examples of RELEASE

  1. The hostages have been released.
  2. The judge released the prisoner.
  3. The lion was released from its cage.
  4. There is a lot of controversy over whether or not wolves should be released into the park.
  5. I released my son's hand, and he ran out onto the playground.
  6. The factory faced serious fines for releasing dangerous chemicals into the river.
  7. Heat is released into the atmosphere by cars.
  8. During exercise, the body releases chemicals in the brain that make you feel better.
  9. She started to cry, releasing all of her repressed emotion.
  10. Exercise is a good way to release stress.

Origin of RELEASE

Middle English relesen, from Anglo-French relesser, from Latin relaxare to relax
First Known Use: 14th century



Definition of RELEASE

:  relief or deliverance from sorrow, suffering, or trouble
a :  discharge from obligation or responsibility
b (1) :  relinquishment of a right or claim
(2) :  an act by which a legal right is discharged; specifically :  a conveyance of a right in lands or tenements to another having an estate in possession
a :  the act or an instance of liberating or freeing (as from restraint)
b :  the act or manner of concluding a musical tone or phrase
c :  the act or manner of ending a sound :  the movement of one or more vocal organs in quitting the position for a speech sound
d :  the action or manner of throwing a ball <has a quick release>
:  an instrument effecting a legal release
:  the state of being freed
:  a device adapted to hold or release a mechanism as required
a :  the act of permitting performance or publication; also :  performance, publication <became a best seller on its release>
b :  the matter released; especially :  a statement prepared for the press

Examples of RELEASE

  1. the release of the hostages
  2. The prisoner is eligible for early release.
  3. There was a controversy over the release of wolves into the park.
  4. The prisoner was given an early release.
  5. the release of heat into the atmosphere
  6. Exercise triggers the release of chemicals in the brain that make you feel better.
  7. an accidental release of pollutants into the river
  8. They've filed a request for release from the contract.
  9. They're requesting a release from their contractual obligations.
  10. The release of the book is scheduled for next month.

Origin of RELEASE

Middle English reles, from Anglo-French, from relesser
First Known Use: 14th century


Next Word in the Dictionary: re–leasePrevious Word in the Dictionary: releasabilityAll Words Near: release
April 27, 2015
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