ENGLISH
REFERENCE

release

v. · n.
US //ɹiˈɫis// re·lease
  1. 1 to set free (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to let a person or animal go free from a place where they were kept.

    to liberate someone from confinement or physical restraint. Transitive — requires a direct object.

    Example

    The wildlife center treated the injured owl and then released it back into the forest.

    Example

    After months of diplomatic negotiations, the government finally released the political prisoners as a gesture of goodwill.
  2. 2 to make public (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to make a film, song, book, or news story available for people to see or buy.

    to issue or make a product or information available for public consumption or sale.

    Example

    The band plans to release their new album just before the summer tour starts.

    Example

    The studio decided to release the documentary simultaneously in theaters and on streaming platforms to maximize its initial impact.
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  1. 3 to let go of (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to stop holding something with your hand.

    to cease to hold or contain physically; to allow a mechanism to move from a fixed position.

    Example

    You have to release the button before the machine will start the next cycle.

    Example

    As the climber reached the ledge, he carefully released his grip on the rope to adjust his safety harness.
  2. 4 the act of freeing (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Law

    the act of letting someone out of prison or a restricted place.

    the action or process of being set free from confinement or legal obligation.

    Example

    The prisoner's release was delayed by several days due to a paperwork error.

    Example

    The legal team argued that the defendant's immediate release was necessary given the lack of substantial evidence presented by the prosecution.
  3. 5 a new product (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    a new film, record, or piece of software that has just become available.

    a specific version of a product, especially software or media, made available for distribution.

    Example

    The latest release of the app fixed several bugs that were causing it to crash.

    Example

    Critics praised the director's latest release for its innovative use of practical effects and non-linear storytelling.
  4. 6 letting out a substance (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    the act of letting a gas, chemical, or energy come out into the air.

    the discharge or emission of a substance or energy into the environment.

    Example

    The accidental release of chemicals into the river caused a lot of damage to the fish.

    Example

    The sudden release of pressure within the valve caused a loud hiss that echoed through the laboratory.
  5. 7 relief from pain (n.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    a feeling of freedom from pain, worry, or unhappiness.

    the state of being liberated from physical or emotional distress.

    Example

    For many people, exercise provides a healthy release from the stress of work.

    Example

    The patient found a sense of release in the quiet garden, away from the sterile environment of the hospital ward.
Etymology 1

From Middle English relesen, relessen, from Old French relaisser (variant of relascher).

Etymology 2

From re- + lease.

Idioms1 entry

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