Definition

1. Noun:

   • The act of setting free or being set free: The act of liberating someone or something from confinement, restriction, or a difficult situation.
   • The act of making something available or public: The distribution or issuance of something, such as a film, record, book, or information, to the public.
   • A thing that is made available or issued: A new product, especially a film or musical recording, that has been issued to the public.
   • A device or mechanism for freeing something: A catch or lever that, when operated, allows a part to move or be detached.
   • Relief from something difficult or unpleasant: The feeling of freedom from anxiety, tension, or pain.
   • The action of discharging or emitting something: The process of allowing a substance, energy, or emotion to escape or be expressed.

2. Verb:

   • To set free from confinement or restraint: To allow someone or something to go free.
   • To allow or cause something to move, flow, or escape: To let a substance, gas, or energy out of a container or system.
   • To make information or a product available to the public: To issue, publish, or distribute something.
   • To stop holding something physically or emotionally: To let go of a grip or to relinquish a claim, right, or feeling.
   • To relieve from an obligation or duty: To free someone from a promise, debt, or responsibility.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The prisoner's release was celebrated by his family.
  • The band announced the release of their new album next month.
  • This is the latest release from a famous director.
  • Press the release to open the CD tray.
  • Crying can provide a sense of emotional release.
  • The sudden release of pressure caused the valve to burst.

• Verb:

  • The authorities agreed to release the hostages.
  • The factory was fined for releasing chemicals into the river.
  • The studio will release the movie worldwide in December.
  • He slowly released his grip on the rope.
  • The bank released him from his debt.

Advanced Usage

• "On release": When a film or other media product is first made available to the public.
  • The film broke box office records on its opening weekend of release.
• "Press release": An official statement issued to newspapers and other media to announce news.
  • The company issued a press release about the merger.
• "Day release": A system allowing a prisoner to spend part of the week in outside employment or education.
  • He is on a day release program to attend college courses.

Variants and Related Words

• Releasable (adj): Capable of being released.
• Releaser (n): A person or thing that releases something.
• Unreleased (adj): Not yet made available to the public.

Synonyms

• Liberate, free, let go, discharge (for setting free).
• Issue, publish, launch, distribute (for making public).
• Emit, discharge, give off, secrete (for letting a substance out).
• Relinquish, let go of, surrender (for stopping holding).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Release to: To make something available or entrust it to someone.
  • The data was released to the research team.
• Release from: To free someone from a specific obligation, duty, or condition.
  • The doctor released him from the hospital.

Related Idioms

• Release the hounds: A command to set dogs after someone; figuratively, to initiate a vigorous pursuit or attack.
  • When the scandal broke, the media released the hounds on the politician.
• Release valve: Literally, a safety valve; figuratively, an activity or outlet that relieves pressure or stress.
  • For him, playing music is an important emotional release valve.

Noun

1. (music) the act or manner of terminating a musical phrase or tone
2. a formal written statement of relinquishment
3. the act of allowing a fluid to escape
4. activity that frees or expresses creative energy or emotion
   • she had no other outlet for her feelings
   • he gave vent to his anger
5. a device that when pressed will release part of a mechanism
6. a legal document evidencing the discharge of a debt or obligation
7. euphemistic expressions for death
   • thousands mourned his passing
8. the termination of someone's employment (leaving them free to depart)
9. an announcement distributed to members of the press in order to supplement or replace an oral presentation
10. a process that liberates or discharges something
    • there was a sudden release of oxygen
    • the release of iodine from the thyroid gland
11. the act of liberating someone or something
12. merchandise issued for sale or public showing (especially a record or film)
    • a new release from the London Symphony Orchestra

Verb

1. make (assets) available
   • release the holdings in the dictator's bank account
2. release (gas or energy) as a result of a chemical reaction or physical decomposition
3. part with a possession or right
   • I am relinquishing my bedroom to the long-term house guest
   • resign a claim to the throne
4. make (information) available for publication
   • release the list with the names of the prisoners
5. generate and separate from cells or bodily fluids
   • secrete digestive juices
   • release a hormone into the blood stream
6. eliminate (a substance)
   • combustion products are exhausted in the engine
   • the plant releases a gas
7. prepare and issue for public distribution or sale
   • publish a magazine or newspaper
8. let (something) fall or spill from a container
   • turn the flour onto a plate
9. grant freedom to; free from confinement
10. release, as from one's grip
    • Let go of the door handle, please!
    • relinquish your grip on the rope--you won't fall