April 28, 2016 Word of the Day
releases; released; releasing
Hands releasing a butterfly
Definition of RELEASE
[+ object]
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]
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