I. re ‧ lease 1 S2 W2 AC /rɪˈliːs/ BrE AmE verb [transitive]
[ Date: 1200-1300 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: relessier , from Latin relaxare ; ⇨ ↑ relax ]
1 . LET SOMEBODY GO to let someone go free, after having kept them somewhere ⇨ free , discharge :
Police arrested several men, who were later released.
The bears are eventually released into the wild.
release somebody from something
He was released from the hospital yesterday.
2 . MAKE PUBLIC to let news or official information be known and printed SYN publish :
The new trade figures have just been released.
3 . FILM/RECORD to make a CD, video, film etc available for people to buy or see:
A version of the game for Mac computers will be released in February.
4 . STOP HOLDING/DROP to stop holding or drop something:
Thousands of bombs were released over Dresden.
release your grip/hold (on somebody/something)
The sudden noise made him release his hold on her arm.
5 . FEELINGS to express or get rid of feelings such as anger or worry:
Physical exercise is a good way of releasing stress.
6 . CHEMICAL to let a substance flow out
release something into something
Oil was released into the sea.
7 . FROM A DUTY to allow someone not to do their duty or work:
Because of rising costs, the company released 10% of their workforce.
release somebody from something
Williams asked to be released from her contract.
8 . MACHINERY to allow part of a piece of machinery or equipment to move from the position in which it is fastened or held:
Release the handbrake first.
II. re ‧ lease 2 S3 W2 AC BrE AmE noun
1 . FROM PRISON [singular, uncountable] when someone is officially allowed to go free, after being kept somewhere:
Before release, the sea lions are fitted with electronic tracking devices.
release from
Simon has obtained early release from prison.
2 . RECORD/FILM
a) [countable] a new CD, video, film etc that is available to buy or see:
the band’s latest release
b) be on (general) release if a film is on release, you can go and see it in a cinema:
The film is on general release.
3 . FEELINGS [singular, uncountable]
a) freedom to show or express your feelings:
Playing an instrument can be a form of emotional release.
b) a feeling that you are free from the worry or pain that you have been suffering:
treatment that will bring a release from pain
4 . CHEMICALS [uncountable] when a chemical, gas etc is allowed to flow out of its usual container
release into
the release of toxic waste into the rivers
5 . OFFICIAL STATEMENT [uncountable and countable] an official statement, report etc that is made available to be printed or broadcast, or the act of making it available SYN publication :
October 22nd is the date set for the report’s release.
⇨ ↑ press release
6 . MACHINE [countable] a handle, button etc that can be pressed to allow part of a machine to move