release

/rɪˈliːs/
verbnounIntermediate
general

To set free or allow to escape from confinement or control

The prisoner was released after serving his sentence.

The company released a new software update.

💡

Commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts.

💼Business💻Technology
BusinessTechnology

To make something available to the public, such as a product or information

The band will release their new album next month.

The company plans to release the new smartphone in Q3.

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Often used in marketing and technology contexts.

psychology

To free from emotional or psychological constraints

She finally released her pent-up anger.

Therapy helped him release his childhood trauma.

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Used in therapeutic and self-help contexts.

⚖️Law
legal

To discharge or relieve from legal or moral obligations

The court released him from his contractual obligations.

The judge released the defendant on bail.

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Common in legal and contractual contexts.

Collocations

release a statementto make an official announcementrelease pressureto reduce stress or tensionrelease energyto expend or discharge energy

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

release the houndsidiom
to initiate an aggressive action
release the brakesphrase
to allow something to proceed without restraint

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

'Release' is often used in technology for software updates and in business for product launches.

Gold Rule

Transitive vs. Intransitive

Use 'release' with an object when referring to making something available (e.g., 'release a product') and without an object when referring to freeing oneself (e.g., 'release from stress').

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'relesen', from Old French 'relasser', from Latin 'relaxare' (to loosen).

📝Usage Notes

The word 'release' can be both transitive (requiring an object) and intransitive (not requiring an object). It is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical senses.

Word Breakdown

re-
again
prefix
+
-lease
to let go
root
English Dictionary