release*/*/*/

[rɪˈliːs] verb [T] I

1) to let someone leave a place where they have been kept

Syn:

free

The authorities had recently released two suspects.[/ex]

He was released from prison in July.[/ex]

2) to stop holding someone or something

Syn:

let

She slowly released her grip on Louisa's hand.[/ex]

3) to make information or documents available

Managers have released few details from yesterday's meeting.[/ex]

4) to make a film, video, or CD available for people to see or buy

They have just released their second album.[/ex]

5) to get rid of a negative feeling, especially by expressing it

Exercise will release all that tension.[/ex]

6) to move a piece of equipment from the position it is held in

Don't forget to release the brake.[/ex]

II

noun

release */*/[rɪˈliːs]

1) [U] the act of letting someone leave a place such as a prison or hospital

The release of Nelson Mandela was watched by millions of people on TV.[/ex]

2) [U] a situation in which something such as a chemical spreads into the area around it

We're doing all we can to prevent the release of toxic waste into the oceans.[/ex]

3) [singular/U] a feeling of being happier and calmer that you have after a difficult experience

4) [U] the act of making information or documents available

the release of secret government information[/ex]

5) [C] a new film, video, or CD that is available for people to see or buy

•

on (general) release — available to be seen in cinemas[/ex]