verb
release
ruh-LEES
verb
1
To set free or allow to leave, especially from captivity or confinement.
"The hostages were released after two days."
"He was released from prison early for good behaviour."
2
To make something available to the public, such as a product, film, or piece of information.
"The band released their new album last Friday."
noun
1
The act of setting something or someone free.
"The release of the report caused a public outcry."
"Her release from hospital was delayed by a week."
How to Use Release
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo let go of something, or to put it out into the world.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
release a statement
press release
release date
release someone from
Word Forms
released past tense, released past tense, releases plural, releases singular, releases singular
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The hostages were _____ after two days.
Etymology
From Old French relaisser, itself from Latin relaxare, "to loosen or open again."