Released

rɪˈliːst

verbBeginner🔥Very CommonLegal
3 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

3 meanings
1

To set free from confinement, restraint, or obligation; to allow to become available.

rɪˈliːs

verbneutralBeginner
Legal

To set free or allow to escape.

The company released the new product to the public.

💡 Simply: Imagine you've been holding a balloon, and now you let go. 'Released' means letting something go free, like a prisoner getting out of jail or a new song coming out!

👶 For kids: To let something go or let someone go free.

More Examples

2

The doctor released the patient from the hospital.

3

The dog was released from its leash.

How It's Used

Criminal Justice

"The prisoner was released from jail after serving his sentence."

Entertainment

"The studio released the movie in theaters last week."

Technology

"The software company released a new update for its app."

2

To make something available for use, distribution, or sale; to publish or make public.

rɪˈliːs

verbneutralBeginner
Literature

To make available for use.

The museum released a collection of ancient artifacts to the public.

💡 Simply: Think about when a movie comes out in theaters, or a new book hits the shelves. 'Released' means it's finally ready for everyone to enjoy.

👶 For kids: To let something be shown or used by everyone, like a new toy.

More Examples

2

The government released the official report on the investigation.

3

The band released a statement about their upcoming tour.

How It's Used

Business

"The company released its quarterly earnings report."

Music

"The band released their new album last month."

Tip:Think of launching a new product or album.
3

To relinquish control or ownership of; to give up or surrender.

rɪˈliːs

verbneutralmedium
General

To relinquish control or possession of.

She released all her shares in the company.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're holding a bunch of balloons and decide to let them go. 'Released' can also mean letting go of something you're holding onto, like a problem or a secret.

👶 For kids: To give something away or let go of it.

More Examples

2

The parents released their children to go play.

3

He released his emotional baggage from the past.

How It's Used

Legal

"He released his claims against the company in the settlement."

Personal

"She released her anger and forgave him."

Tip:Think of letting go of a grudge or a claim.

Idioms & expressions

Release date

The date on which something is officially made available to the public.

"The release date for the new video game has been announced."

Release pressure

To relieve stress or tension.

"Taking a vacation helped him release the pressure of his job."

From Middle English *relesen*, from Old French *relesser* 'to loosen, release,' from Latin *relaxare* 'to loosen, slacken,' from *re-* 'again' + *laxare* 'to loosen.'

The word 'release' has been used since the 13th century, initially referring to setting someone free from confinement.

Memory tip

Think of a bird being released from a cage.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"to loosen, slacken"

release daterelease a prisonerrelease a productrelease an albumrelease pressure

Common misspellings

releashedreleastrelesed

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written