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 verb 1 : 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