n.
Pronunciation: ri- ' l ē s
Function: verb
Inflected Form: re · leased ; re · leas · ing
Etymology: Middle English relesen, from Anglo-French relesser, from Latin relaxare to relax
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1 : to set free from restraint, confinement, or servitude < release hostages> < release pent-up emotions> < release the brakes> also : to let go : DISMISS < released from her job>
2 : to relieve from something that confines, burdens, or oppresses <was released from her promise>
3 : to give up in favor of another : RELINQUISH < release a claim to property>
4 : to give permission for publication, performance, exhibition, or sale of also : to make available to the public <the commission released its findings> < release a new movie>
intransitive verb : to move from one's normal position (as in football or basketball) in order to assume another position or to perform a second assignment
synonyms see FREE
– re · leas · able \ - ' l ē -s ə -b ə l \ adjective