[+ obj] 1 a : to allow (a person or animal) to leave a jail, cage, prison, etc. : to set (someone or something) free
▪ The hostages have been released. ▪ The judge released the prisoner. ▪ The lion was released from its cage. ▪ There is a lot of controversy over whether or not wolves should be released into the park.
b : to stop holding (someone or something)
▪ The hot-air balloon pilot signaled the ground crew to release [=let go of] the ropes. ▪ I released my son's hand, and he ran out onto the playground.
c : to allow (a substance) to enter the air, water, soil, etc.
▪ Plastic releases [=emits] dangerous chemicals when it burns. ▪ The factory faced serious fines for releasing dangerous chemicals into the river. ▪ Heat is released into the atmosphere by cars. ▪ During exercise, the body releases chemicals in the brain that make you feel better.
d : to cause (an emotion, a feeling, etc.) to go away by expressing it or dealing with it in some way
▪ She started to cry, releasing all of her repressed emotion. ▪ Exercise is a good way to release stress/tension. 2 : to free (someone) from a duty, responsibility, etc.
▪ The contract was declared null, and we were released from our agreement/obligation. ▪ I released him from his promise. [=I said that he did not have to do what he had promised to do] 3 : to give up control or possession of (something)
▪ The local police released the evidence to the FBI. 4 : to make (something) available to the public
▪ The band hopes to release their new album by next summer. ▪ The police will not release the names of the teenagers involved in the robbery. ▪ They released a statement this afternoon. 5 : to allow (part of a machine, device, etc.) to go back to its normal position
▪ The camera's shutter will stay open until the button is released. ▪ release [=disengage] the parking brake