■ verb
1》 set free.
2》 allow to move or flow freely.
↘remove (part of a machine or appliance) from a fixed position, allowing something else to move or function.
3》 allow (information) to be generally available.
↘make (a film or recording) available to the public.
4》 Law remit or discharge (a debt).
↘surrender (a right).
↘make over (property or money) to another.
■ noun
1》 the action or process of releasing or being ~d.
↘a handle or catch that ~s part of a mechanism.
2》 a film or other product ~d to the public.
3》 Law the action of releasing property, money, or a right to another.
↘a document effecting this.
Derivatives
releasable adjective
~e noun ( Law ).
~r noun
releasor noun ( Law ).
Origin
ME: from OFr. reles (n.), relesser (v.), from L. relaxare (see relax ).