lâcher
Il a lâché la corde et est tombé.
He let go of the rope and fell.
to release or let go of something held or controlled
Lâche ce livre, il est à moi !
Drop that book, it's mine!
Elle a lâché son sac par terre.
She dropped her bag on the ground.
Can imply suddenness or carelessness in letting go.
to abandon or give up on something (figurative)
Il a lâché ses études en deuxième année.
He dropped out of his studies in his second year.
Elle a lâché l'affaire après des mois de travail.
She gave up on the case after months of work.
Often implies quitting or stopping an effort.
to emit or release (e.g., a sound, smell)
Le chien a lâché un grognement.
The dog let out a growl.
Common with sounds or odors.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Common Mistake: 'Lâcher' vs. 'laisser'
'Lâcher' implies a sudden release or dropping, while 'laisser' is more general (to allow/leave). Compare: 'Il a lâché la balle' (He dropped the ball) vs. 'Il a laissé la balle' (He left the ball).
Gold Rule
Physical vs. Figurative Use
Use 'lâcher' for physical release (e.g., dropping an object) and figurative abandonment (e.g., quitting a project). Avoid using it for gradual or planned actions.
Word Origin
From Old French 'laschier' (to release), from Latin 'laxāre' (to loosen), from 'laxus' (loose). Related to English 'lax' and 'relax'.
Usage Notes
In informal contexts, 'lâcher' can mean to give up or abandon something, often with a sense of resignation. The reflexive form 'se lâcher' means to let oneself go or relax.