release
ruh-LEES
Release (verb) means to set free or allow to leave, especially from captivity or confinement. Example: “The hostages were released after two days.”
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."
"The zoo plans to release the rescued owl back into the wild."
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."
"The studio will release the film in cinemas next spring."
"The company released a statement about changes to its opening hours."
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."
"The release of the birds into the forest was a joyful moment."
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
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Word forms
- Plural
- releases
- Third person singular
- releases
- Past tense
- released
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The hostages were _____ after two days.
Etymology
From Old French relaisser, itself from Latin relaxare, "to loosen or open again."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for release
See all rhymes for release →Frequently asked questions
What does “release” mean?
The word “release” means to set free or allow to leave, especially from captivity or confinement. In plain terms, to let go of something, or to put it out into the world.
How do you pronounce “release”?
“Release” is pronounced ruh-LEES (/ɹəˈliːs/ in IPA).
How do you use “release” in a sentence?
Here is “release” used in a sentence: “The hostages were released after two days.”
What is another word for “release”?
Words with a similar meaning to “release” include quietus.
What is the opposite of “release”?
The opposite of “release” — its antonyms — is hold.
What part of speech is “release”?
Depending on how it is used, “release” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “release” come from?
The word “release” comes from Latin. From Old French relaisser, itself from Latin relaxare, "to loosen or open again.".
Is “release” a common word?
“Release” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between release and relieve?
To release is to set something or someone free, as in releasing a prisoner or letting go of a rope. To relieve is to ease a burden, pain or pressure, or to take over someone's duty. The words sound similar but do different jobs: one frees, the other lightens.
What are the different meanings of release?
Besides setting someone free, release can mean to let go of a grip, to make something available to the public, such as a film, album or product, or to issue an official statement. All the senses share one idea: allowing something that was held back to move out freely.
What is the opposite of release?
The opposites center on holding or restraining: capture, detain, confine, hold and imprison all describe keeping someone or something under control rather than letting it go. When release means making a product available, the contrast is to withhold or delay it instead. Context tells you which fits.
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