release release /riːˈliːs/

noun

1. () Merchandise issued for sale or public showing (especially a record or film)  ( release )
   merchandise issued for sale or public showing (especially a record or film)
    A new release from the London Symphony Orchestra
   a new release from the London Symphony Orchestra
   
2. () The act of liberating someone or something  ( freeing , liberation , release )
   the act of liberating someone or something
    The fisherman gently released the fish back into the water, happy to have caught them but also mindful of conservation efforts
   The fisherman gently released the fish back into the water, happy to have caught them but also mindful of conservation efforts
   
3. () The termination of someone's employment (leaving them free to depart)  ( discharge , dismissal , dismission , firing , liberation , sack , sacking , the axe [Informal] , the chop [Informal, British] , release )
   the termination of someone's employment (leaving them free to depart)
   
4. () An announcement distributed to members of the press in order to supplement or replace an oral presentation  ( handout , press release , release )
   an announcement distributed to members of the press in order to supplement or replace an oral presentation
   
5. () A process that liberates or discharges something  ( release )
   a process that liberates or discharges something
    There was a sudden release of oxygen
   there was a sudden release of oxygen
    The release of iodine from the thyroid gland
   the release of iodine from the thyroid gland
   
6. () Euphemistic expressions for death  ( departure , exit , expiration , going , loss , passing , release )
   euphemistic expressions for death
    Thousands mourned his passing
   thousands mourned his passing
   
7. (music) the act or manner of terminating a musical phrase or tone  ( release , tone ending )
   (music) the act or manner of terminating a musical phrase or tone
   
8. A formal written statement of relinquishment  ( discharge , release , waiver )
   a formal written statement of relinquishment
   
9. The act of allowing a fluid to escape  ( release , spill , spillage )
   the act of allowing a fluid to escape
   
10. Activity that frees or expresses creative energy or emotion  ( outlet , release , vent )
    activity that frees or expresses creative energy or emotion
     She had no other outlet for her feelings
    she had no other outlet for her feelings
     He gave vent to his anger
    he gave vent to his anger
    
11. A device that when pressed will release part of a mechanism  ( button , release )
    a device that when pressed will release part of a mechanism
    
    
12. (law) a legal document evidencing the discharge of a debt or obligation  ( acquittance , release )
    (law) a legal document evidencing the discharge of a debt or obligation
    

verb

1. () Release, as from one's grip  ( relinquish , let go of , let go , release )
   release, as from one's grip
    Let go of the door handle, please!
   Let go of the door handle, please!
    Relinquish your grip on the rope--you won't fall
   relinquish your grip on the rope--you won't fall
   
2. () Grant freedom to; free from confinement  ( unloose , unloosen , liberate , free , loose , release )
   grant freedom to; free from confinement
     The organization worked tirelessly to free innocent individuals who had been wrongfully imprisoned.
   The organization worked tirelessly to free innocent individuals who had been wrongfully imprisoned.
   
3. () Let (something) fall or spill from a container  ( turn , release )
   let (something) fall or spill from a container
    Turn the flour onto a plate
   turn the flour onto a plate
   
4. () Generate and separate from cells or bodily fluids  ( secrete , release )
   generate and separate from cells or bodily fluids
    Secrete digestive juices
   secrete digestive juices
    Release a hormone into the blood stream
   release a hormone into the blood stream
   
5. () Eliminate (a substance)  ( exhaust , expel , discharge , eject , release )
   eliminate (a substance)
    Combustion products are exhausted in the engine
   combustion products are exhausted in the engine
    The plant releases a gas
   the plant releases a gas
   
6. () Prepare and issue for public distribution or sale  ( put out , bring out , release , issue , publish )
   prepare and issue for public distribution or sale
    Publish a magazine or newspaper
   publish a magazine or newspaper
   
7. () Make (information) available for publication  ( free , release )
   make (information) available for publication
    Release the list with the names of the prisoners
   release the list with the names of the prisoners
   
8. Make (assets) available  ( free , release , unblock , unfreeze )
   make (assets) available
    Release the holdings in the dictator's bank account
   release the holdings in the dictator's bank account
   
9. (chemistry) release (gas or energy) as a result of a chemical reaction or physical decomposition  ( free , liberate , release )
   (chemistry) release (gas or energy) as a result of a chemical reaction or physical decomposition
   
10. Part with a possession or right  ( free , release , resign , give up , relinquish )
    part with a possession or right
     I am relinquishing my bedroom to the long-term house guest
    I am relinquishing my bedroom to the long-term house guest
     Resign a claim to the throne
    resign a claim to the throne