Definition of release
released
;releasing
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
From the M-W Editors
Examples of release in a Sentence
The hostages have been released.
The judge released the prisoner.
The lion was released from its cage.
There is a lot of controversy over whether or not wolves should be released into the park.
I released my son's hand, and he ran out onto the playground.
The factory faced serious fines for releasing dangerous chemicals into the river.
Heat is released into the atmosphere by cars.
During exercise, the body releases chemicals in the brain that make you feel better.
She started to cry, releasing all of her repressed emotion.
Exercise is a good way to release stress.
Origin and Etymology of release
Middle English relesen, from Anglo-French relesser, from Latin relaxare to relax
First Known Use: 14th century
Synonym Discussion of release
release
Definition of release
1 : relief or deliverance from sorrow, suffering, or trouble
2a : discharge from obligation or responsibilityb (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
3a : the act or an instance of liberating or freeing (as from restraint)b : the act or manner of concluding a musical tone or phrasec : the act or manner of ending a sound : the movement of one or more vocal organs in quitting the position for a speech soundd : the action or manner of throwing a ball has a quick release
4 : an instrument effecting a legal release
5 : the state of being freed
6 : a device adapted to hold or release a mechanism as required
7a : the act of permitting performance or publication; also : performance, publication became a best seller on its releaseb : the matter released; especially : a statement prepared for the press
Examples of release in a Sentence
the release of the hostages
The prisoner is eligible for early release.
There was a controversy over the release of wolves into the park.
The prisoner was given an early release.
the release of heat into the atmosphere
Exercise triggers the release of chemicals in the brain that make you feel better.
an accidental release of pollutants into the river
They've filed a request for release from the contract.
They're requesting a release from their contractual obligations.
The release of the book is scheduled for next month.
Origin and Etymology of release
Middle English reles, from Anglo-French, from relesser
First Known Use: 14th century
RELEASE Defined for English Language Learners
release
playDefinition of release for English Language Learners
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: to allow (a person or animal) to leave a jail, cage, prison, etc. : to set (someone or something) free
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: to stop holding (someone or something)
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: to allow (a substance) to enter the air, water, soil, etc.
RELEASE Defined for Kids
Definition of release for Students
released
;releasing
1 : to set free or let go of The fish was caught and released. He released his hold on the rope.
2 : to allow to escape The factory released chemicals into the river.
3 : to relieve from a duty, responsibility, or burden She released him from his promise.
4 : to give up or hand over to someone else I released my claim.
5 : to permit to be published, sold, or shown The movie will be released next month.
Definition of release for Students
1 : the act of setting free or letting go release of a prisoner
2 : the act of allowing something to escape the release of smoke
3 : a discharge from an obligation or responsibility
4 : relief or rescue from sorrow, suffering, or trouble release from pain
5 : a device for holding or releasing a mechanism
6 : the act of making something available to the public
7 : something (as a new product or song) that is made available to the public
Law Dictionary
release
Legal Definition of release
released
releasing
1a : to relieve or free from obligation, liability, or responsibility the debtor is released from all dischargeable debts b : to give up (a claim, title, or right) to the benefit of another person : surrender
2 : to set free from confinement was released on personal recognizance
release
Legal Definition of release
1a : discharge from an obligation or responsibility that bars a cause of action did not effect a release of the school for any negligence b : the giving up or renunciation of a right or claim that bars a cause of action was a release of the remainder of the debt Editor's note: A release may in some situations require consideration in order to be valid. A release of one joint obligor sometimes is considered to release all the obligors.
2 : an act or instrument that effects a release signed a release issued by the insurer —called also release of all claims — compare hold harmless
3 : the act or instance of freeing especially from custody
Learn More about release
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for release Spanish Central: Translation of release Nglish: Translation of release for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of release for Arabic speakers
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