Release Definition and Meaning
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Published on May 3, 2024
Release means to allow or enable to escape from confinement; to set free. e.g., The zoo decided to release the wild birds back into their natural habitat.
Table of Contents
Release Definitions
To let go or set free.
The government agreed to release the prisoners of war.
To relieve from duty or responsibility.
After the project was completed, the temporary staff were released from their contracts.
To ease or alleviate.
Talking with a friend can release built-up stress.
To launch or send off.
The space agency plans to release a satellite into orbit next week.
To free from legal or contractual obligations.
She was finally released from her lease agreement.
To distribute a film, video, or game for public entertainment.
The movie is scheduled for release in theaters this Friday.
To unlock or open.
Press the button to release the car's trunk.
To emit or discharge.
The factory was fined for illegally releasing pollutants into the river.
To permit access to information.
The company will release its financial reports to shareholders tomorrow.
To set free from confinement or bondage
Released the prisoner.
To set free from physical restraint or binding; let go
Released the balloons.
Released the brake.
To cause or allow to move away or spread from a source or place of confinement
Cells that release histamine.
To make available for use
Released the funds for the project.
To set free from obligations, commitments, or debt
Released them from their contract.
To relieve of care or suffering
Only death could release him from suffering.
To issue for performance, sale, publication, or distribution
Release a new movie.
To make known or available
Released the new study on the drug.
(Law) To surrender (a right, claim, or title).
Deliverance or liberation, as from confinement.
Discharge from an obligation or commitment.
Relief from suffering or care.
An unfastening or letting go, as of something caught or held fast.
(Sports) The action of throwing a ball or propelling a puck
A quarterback with a quick release.
(Linguistics) The movement of a vocal organ or organs so as to end the closure of a stop consonant.
A device or catch for locking or releasing a mechanism.
The act or an instance of issuing something for publication, use, or distribution.
Something thus issued
A new release of a software program.
The condition of being available, in use, or in publication
A movie in wide release.
The surrender of a right, title, or claim, especially to one against whom the right, title, or claim would be enforced or exercised.
The document attesting to such surrender.
The event of setting (someone or something) free (e.g. hostages, slaves, prisoners, caged animals, hooked or stuck mechanisms).
(software) The distribution of an initial or new and upgraded version of a computer software product; the distribution can be either public or private.
Anything recently released or made available (as for sale).
The video store advertised that it had all the latest releases.
That which is released, untied or let go.
They marked the occasion with a release of butterflies.
(legal) The giving up of a claim, especially a debt.
Liberation from pain or suffering.
(biochemistry) The process by which a chemical substance is set free.
The act or manner of ending a sound.
In the block system, a printed card conveying information and instructions to be used at intermediate sidings without telegraphic stations.
A device adapted to hold or release a device or mechanism as required.
A catch on a motor-starting rheostat, which automatically releases the rheostat arm and so stops the motor in case of a break in the field circuit.
The catch on an electromagnetic circuit breaker for a motor, triggered in the event of an overload.
The lever or button on a camera that opens the shutter to allow a photograph to be taken
(music) A kind of bridge used in jazz music.
To let go (of); to cease to hold or contain.
He released his grasp on the lever.
To make available to the public.
They released the new product later than intended.
To free or liberate; to set free.
He was released after two years in prison.
To discharge.
They released thousands of gallons of water into the river each month.
(telephone) of a call To hang up.
If you continue to use abusive language, I will need to release the call.
(legal) To let go, as a legal claim; to discharge or relinquish a right to, as lands or tenements, by conveying to another who has some right or estate in possession, as when the person in remainder releases his right to the tenant in possession; to quit.
To loosen; to relax; to remove the obligation of.
(soccer) To set up; to provide with a goal-scoring opportunity
(biochemistry) To set free a chemical substance.
(intransitive) to come out; be out.
When the game releases
The new model will release on ...
(transitive) To lease again; to grant a new lease of; to let back.
To lease again; to grant a new lease of; to let back.
To let loose again; to set free from restraint, confinement, or servitude; to give liberty to, or to set at liberty; to let go.
Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired.
To relieve from something that confines, burdens, or oppresses, as from pain, trouble, obligation, penalty.
To let go, as a legal claim; to discharge or relinquish a right to, as lands or tenements, by conveying to another who has some right or estate in possession, as when the person in remainder releases his right to the tenant in possession; to quit.
To loosen; to relax; to remove the obligation of; as, to release an ordinance.
A sacred vow that none should aye release.
The act of letting loose or freeing, or the state of being let loose or freed; liberation or discharge from restraint of any kind, as from confinement or bondage.
Relief from care, pain, or any burden.
Discharge from obligation or responsibility, as from debt, penalty, or claim of any kind; acquittance.
A giving up or relinquishment of some right or claim; a conveyance of a man's right in lands or tenements to another who has some estate in possession; a quitclaim.
The act of opening the exhaust port to allow the steam to escape.
A device adapted to hold or release a device or mechanism as required;
The act or manner of ending a sound.
In the block-signaling system, a printed card conveying information and instructions to be used at intermediate sidings without telegraphic stations.
Merchandise issued for sale or public showing (especially a record or film);
A new release from the London Symphony Orchestra
The act of liberating someone or something
A process that liberates or discharges something;
There was a sudden release of oxygen
The release of iodine from the thyroid gland
An announcement distributed to members of the press in order to supplement or replace an oral presentation
The termination of someone's employment (leaving them free to depart)
Euphemistic expressions for death;
Thousands mourned his passing
A legal document evidencing the discharge of a debt or obligation
Activity that releases or expresses creative energy or emotion;
She had no other outlet for her feelings
He gave vent to his anger
The act of allowing a fluid to escape
A formal written statement of relinquishment
(music) the act or manner of terminating a musical phrase or tone
Release, as from one's grip;
Let go of the door handle, please!
Relinquish your grip on the rope--you won't fall
Grant freedom to; free from confinement
Let (something) fall or spill a container;
Turn the flour onto a plate
Eliminate (substances) from the body
Prepare and issue for public distribution or sale;
Publish a magazine or newspaper
Generate and separate from cells or bodily fluids;
Secrete digestive juices
Release a hormone into the blood stream
Make (information) available publication;
Release the list with the names of the prisoners
Part with a possession or right;
I am relinquishing my bedroom to the long-term house guest
Resign a claim to the throne
Make (assets) available;
Release the holdings in the dictator's bank account
Release Snonyms
Free
To make free, release from captivity or confinement.
The goal is to free the hostages unharmed.
Liberate
To set free from a situation that limits freedom of thought or behavior.
The activists worked to liberate the animals from cruel conditions.
Expel
To force out or eject.
The school had to expel the student for breaking the rules.
Discharge
To allow a substance to flow out.
The hospital was ready to discharge the patient after recovery.
Publish
To prepare and issue (printed or digital material) for public sale or distribution.
She hopes to publish her novel by next year.
Unleash
To release a force or power.
The new policy could unleash a wave of innovation.
Emit
To produce and discharge (something, especially gas or radiation).
The device emits a beeping sound when activated.
Divulge
To make known (private or sensitive information).
He refused to divulge the secrets of the code.
Distribute
To supply goods to stores and other businesses that sell to consumers.
The company distributes its products worldwide.
Unlock
To open or release by or as if by undoing a lock.
She unlocked the door and entered the house.
Release Idioms & Phrases
Press release
An official statement issued to newspapers giving information on a particular matter.
The company issued a press release to announce the merger.
Get a release
To find relief or vent for one's emotions or energy.
Running helps him get a release from daily stress.
Release one's grip
To stop holding something tightly.
The climber had to release her grip to avoid cramping.
On release
Available to the public (for movies, music, etc.).
The documentary will be on release next month.
Release on bail
To allow someone to go free temporarily after payment is made to the court.
The accused was released on bail awaiting trial.
Release into the wild
To return an animal to its natural habitat.
After rehabilitation, the birds were released into the wild.
Release the Kraken
To unleash chaos or to let an uncontrollable force loose.
When the debate started, it felt like they decided to release the Kraken.
Early release
To be freed from prison before the official end of a sentence.
Due to good behavior, he was eligible for early release.
Sign a release
To provide written permission, often waiving rights to something.
Participants had to sign a release before joining the study.
Release your hold
To stop influencing or controlling something.
The company needs to release its hold on the market for new competitors to emerge.
Release Example Sentences
The company plans to release a new smartphone model next month.
They decided to release the software update early.
The film's release date has been postponed.
The government will release the economic data tomorrow.
The game's release brought excitement to fans worldwide.
The police were ordered to release the detained protesters.
Common Curiosities
What is a stressed syllable in release?
The second syllable, "-lease," is stressed.
How is release used in a sentence?
Release is used to indicate the act of allowing something or someone to go free, e.g., The company will release the new product next week.
What is the verb form of release?
The verb form is "release," as in "to set free" or "to make available."
What is the pronunciation of release?
Release is pronounced as /rɪˈliːs/.
How do we divide release into syllables?
Release is divided into syllables as re-lease.
Why is it called release?
It's called "release" because it originates from releasing or setting free from confinement or restraint.
How many syllables are in release?
Two syllables.
Is release an adverb?
No, "release" is not used as an adverb.
What is the root word of release?
The root word of "release" is the Old French "relaisser," meaning to let go.
What is the first form of release?
The first form is "release."
What is the second form of release?
The second form is "released."
What is another term for release?
A synonym for release is "liberate."
What is the plural form of release?
The plural form is "releases."
Is release an abstract noun?
When used as a noun, "release" can be considered abstract as it refers to the act or process of being released.
Is the word release imperative?
Yes, "release" can be used in an imperative form to command the release of something or someone.
Is the word release a Gerund?
No, "release" itself is not a gerund; however, "releasing" would be the gerund form.
Is release a negative or positive word?
It is neutral, but its connotation can be positive when referring to freedom or relief.
What is the third form of release?
The third form is "released."
Is release a noun or adjective?
Release can be used as both a noun and a verb, but not typically as an adjective.
Which vowel is used before release?
The vowel used before "release" depends on the preceding word; there is no specific rule.
Which conjunction is used with release?
Conjunctions like "and," "but," or "because" can be used with "release" based on the context.
What is the opposite of release?
The opposite of release is "retain" or "confine."
Is release a vowel or consonant?
The first letter "r" in "release" is a consonant.
Which article is used with release?
The article "a" or "the" can be used with "release," depending on whether it's specific or general.
What part of speech is release?
Release can be a verb, noun, or adjective depending on its use in a sentence.
What is the singular form of release?
The singular form is "release."
Is release a countable noun?
Yes, when used as a noun, "release" can be counted (e.g., several releases).
Is release a collective noun?
No, "release" is not a collective noun.
Is the release term a metaphor?
It can be used metaphorically to describe freeing someone or something from constraints.
Is the word “release” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Release" can introduce a direct object, e.g., "They plan to release the movie."
Which determiner is used with release?
Determiners like "a," "the," or possessive pronouns can be used, depending on the context.
Which preposition is used with release?
Prepositions like "from," "into," or "to" can be used with "release," depending on the sentence structure.
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Written by
Maham LiaqatCo-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.