release Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun merchandise issued for sale or public showing (especially a record or film)
    • a new release from the London Symphony Orchestra
  2. noun the act of liberating someone or something
    liberation; freeing.
  3. noun a process that liberates or discharges something
    • there was a sudden release of oxygen
    • the release of iodine from the thyroid gland
  4. noun an announcement distributed to members of the press in order to supplement or replace an oral presentation
    press release; handout.
  5. noun the termination of someone's employment (leaving them free to depart)
    sacking; dismissal; firing; sack; liberation; discharge; dismission.
  6. noun euphemistic expressions for death
    loss; departure; going; exit; expiration; passing.
    • thousands mourned his passing
  7. noun a legal document evidencing the discharge of a debt or obligation
    acquittance.
  8. noun a device that when pressed will release part of a mechanism
    button.
  9. noun activity that frees or expresses creative energy or emotion
    vent; outlet.
    • she had no other outlet for her feelings
    • he gave vent to his anger
  10. noun the act of allowing a fluid to escape
    spillage; spill.
  11. noun a formal written statement of relinquishment
    discharge; waiver.
  12. noun (music) the act or manner of terminating a musical phrase or tone
    tone ending.
  13. verb release, as from one's grip
    relinquish; let go; let go of.
    • Let go of the door handle, please!
    • relinquish your grip on the rope--you won't fall
  14. verb grant freedom to; free from confinement
    unloosen; unloose; loose; free; liberate.
  15. verb let (something) fall or spill from a container
    turn.
    • turn the flour onto a plate
  16. verb prepare and issue for public distribution or sale
    bring out; issue; put out; publish.
    • publish a magazine or newspaper
  17. verb eliminate (a substance)
    exhaust; expel; eject; discharge.
    • combustion products are exhausted in the engine
    • the plant releases a gas
  18. verb generate and separate from cells or bodily fluids
    secrete.
    • secrete digestive juices
    • release a hormone into the blood stream
  19. verb make (information) available for publication
    free.
    • release the list with the names of the prisoners
  20. verb part with a possession or right
    relinquish; give up; free; resign.
    • I am relinquishing my bedroom to the long-term house guest
    • resign a claim to the throne
  21. verb release (gas or energy) as a result of a chemical reaction or physical decomposition
    liberate; free.
  22. verb make (assets) available
    unblock; unfreeze; free.
    • release the holdings in the dictator's bank account

WordNet

Re*lease" transitive verb
Etymology
Pref. re + lease to let.
Definitions
  1. To lease again; to grant a new lease of; to let back.
Re*lease" transitive verb
Etymology
OE. relessen, OF. relassier, to release, to let free. See Relay, n., Relax, and cf. Release to lease again.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Released present participle & verbal noun Releasing
Definitions
  1. 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. Mark xv. 6.
  2. To relieve from something that confines, burdens, or oppresses, as from pain, trouble, obligation, penalty.
  3. (Law) 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.
  4. To loosen; to relax; to remove the obligation of; as, to release an ordinance. Obs. Hooker.
    A sacred vow that none should aye Spenser.
    Syn. -- To free; liberate; loose; discharge; disengage; extracate; let go; quit; acquit.
Re*lease" noun
Definitions
  1. 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. "Who boast'st release from hell." Milton.
  2. Relief from care, pain, or any burden.
  3. Discharge from obligation or responsibility, as from debt, penalty, or claim of any kind; acquittance.
  4. (Law) 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. Blackstone.
  5. (Steam Engine) The act of opening the exhaust port to allow the steam to escape. Syn. -- Liberation; freedom; discharge. See Death.

Webster 1913