merchandise issued for sale or public showing (especially a record or film)
"a new release from the London Symphony Orchestra"
the act of liberating someone or something
"After years of captivity, the rescue team finally released the trapped bear back into its forest home."
a process that liberates or discharges something
"there was a sudden release of oxygen"
"the release of iodine from the thyroid gland"
an announcement distributed to members of the press in order to supplement or replace an oral presentation
"The company issued a formal release detailing their new product launch before holding any interviews with journalists."
the termination of someone's employment (leaving them free to depart)
"The manager decided to release him from his contract effective immediately so he could start working for a competitor next week."
a legal document evidencing the discharge of a debt or obligation
"After paying off his mortgage, the bank sent him an official release confirming that all obligations were fully discharged."
(music) the act or manner of terminating a musical phrase or tone
"The violinist held her breath for a moment before releasing the final note into the silence."
The event of setting (someone or something) free (e.g. hostages, slaves, prisoners, caged animals, hooked or stuck mechanisms).
"The police confirmed that all the hostages had been safely released after a tense three-hour standoff."
In plain English: A release is something that is let go or made available to the public.
"The director promised to release the movie next summer."
Usage: Use this definition specifically when referring to the act of freeing people from captivity or objects from being trapped; avoid it for general departures such as leaving a job or retiring. It is common in news reports regarding hostages and legal contexts concerning prisoners.
release, as from one's grip
"Let go of the door handle, please!"
"relinquish your grip on the rope--you won't fall"
part with a possession or right
"I am relinquishing my bedroom to the long-term house guest"
"resign a claim to the throne"
To let go (of); to cease to hold or contain.
"After years of neglect, the city council voted to release the abandoned factory grounds for use as a community garden."
To lease again; to grant a new lease of; to let back.
In plain English: To release something means to let it go free or set it loose.
"The police finally released the suspect after reviewing the evidence."
The word release entered English from the Middle English form relesen, which was borrowed from Old French. Originally meaning to let go or set free, it carried this same core sense into modern usage.