release Definition

release¹
verb released, releasing

1. To free (a prisoner, etc) from captivity.

Thesaurus: free, discharge, liberate, loose, acquit, deliver, extricate, emancipate, enfranchise, unfetter; Antonym: detain.
2. To relieve someone who is suffering something considered unpleasant, such as a duty, burden, etc.
3. To loosen one's grip and stop holding something.
4. To make (news, information, etc) known publicly.
5. To offer (a film, record, book, etc) for sale, performance, etc.
6. To move (a catch, brake, etc) so that it no longer prevents something from moving, operating, etc.
7. To give off or emit (heat, gas, etc).

noun

1. The act of releasing or state of being released, from captivity, duty, oppression, etc.

Thesaurus: liberation, discharge, freedom, emancipation, enfranchisement, acquittal, deliverance, exoneration, liberty, absolution, delivery, manumission; Antonym: detention.
2. The act of making a film, record, book, etc available for sale, performance, publication, etc.
3. Something made available for sale, performance, etc, especially a new record or film.
4. An item of news which is made public, or a document containing this.

Example: press release
5. An order or document allowing a prisoner, etc to be released.
6. A handle or catch which holds and releases part of a mechanism.

Derivative: releasable
adj

Derivative: releaser
noun

Etymology: 13c: from French relesser, from Latin relaxare to relax.

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release²
verb

1. To grant a new lease for property, etc.