Main Entry:

¹re·lease

Pronunciation:

\ri-ˈlēs\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

re·leased; re·leas·ing

Etymology:

Middle English relesen, from Anglo-French relesser, from Latin relaxare to relax

Date:

14th century

transitive verb1: 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>2: to relieve from something that confines, burdens, or oppresses <was released from her promise>3: to give up in favor of another : relinquish <release a claim to property>4: 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

synonyms see free

— re·leas·able \-ˈlē-sə-bəl\ adjective