Release
/rɪˈliːs/
Definitions
4 meaningsTo allow or enable something to escape from confinement; to set free.
/rɪˈliːs/
To set free or allow to escape.
The company released its new software update yesterday.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're holding a bunch of balloons. Releasing means letting them go and watching them fly up into the sky. It's the same idea if you release a bird from a cage or a prisoner from jail. You are setting something or someone free!
👶 For kids: To let something go free. Like if you let a pet bird fly out the window.
More Examples
She released the tension in her shoulders with a deep breath.
The firefighters worked tirelessly to release the trapped animals.
How It's Used
"The bird was released back into the wild."
"The prisoner was released from jail."
To make (something) available to the public; to make public or available for use.
/rɪˈliːs/
To make available to the public.
The artist released a new album.
💡 Simply: Imagine you've been working on a special video game, book, or song. Releasing is when you show it to everyone! Like when a movie comes out in theaters or a song is played on the radio.
👶 For kids: To let something come out for everyone to see or use. Like when a new toy comes out in stores.
More Examples
The government released the official report to the public.
The company is planning to release a new product next month.
How It's Used
"The film was released in theaters last week."
"The company released its quarterly earnings report."
The act of releasing or the state of being released; the act of making something available or public.
/rɪˈliːs/
The act of setting free.
The prisoner's release was a major news story.
💡 Simply: When we're talking about a noun, a release is the actual act of setting something free or letting information go public. It is like the moment when the balloon is let go (the act of release) or the moment when a new game is finally sold in stores (the release of the game).
👶 For kids: When something is let go. Like when you let the air out of a balloon.
More Examples
The band celebrated the release of their new single.
The company announced the release of the updated software.
How It's Used
"The suspect's release was granted on bail."
"The release of the pressure valve prevented an explosion."
A device or mechanism that releases something, such as a latch or catch.
/rɪˈliːs/
A device for releasing something.
The safety valve acted as a release for excess pressure.
💡 Simply: This is a little switch or part that helps something get free or start to work. This means the release is the thing which can be used to release.
👶 For kids: A part that lets go. Like if you press a button and it lets something open.
More Examples
He adjusted the release on the camera to take the picture.
The door had a simple latch release mechanism.
How It's Used
"The safety mechanism included a pressure release."
Synonyms
Discharge
Free
Liberate
Announce
Distribute
Introduce
Issue
Launch
Present
Publish
Distribution
Emancipation
Issuance
Liberation
Publication
Catch
Latch
Mechanism
Antonyms
Capture
Detain
Hold
Ban
Conceal
Hide
Detention
Imprisonment
Block
Lock
Idioms & expressions
release the hounds
To unleash a pursuit or investigation, often with aggressive or determined intent.
"When the scandal broke, the media immediately released the hounds, eager for every detail."
press release
An official statement issued to news media providing information on a particular subject.
"The company issued a press release announcing the new product launch."
From Old French *releser*, meaning 'to loosen, set free,' from *re-*, 'again,' + *lasche* (Modern French *lâcher*), 'to loosen.'
The word's usage expanded during the 20th century with the advent of media and wider dissemination of information and products.
Memory tip
Think of letting go of a balloon – you *release* it to float away.