Definition of "release" in English

noun

1. The event of setting (someone or something) free (e.g. hostages, slaves, prisoners, caged animals, hooked or stuck mechanisms).

2. (software) The distribution, either public or private, of an initial or new and upgraded version of a computer software product.

3. Anything recently released or made available (as for sale).

   • The video store advertised that it had all the latest releases.

4. That which is released, untied or let go.

   • They marked the occasion with a release of butterflies.

5. (law) The giving up of a claim, especially a debt.

6. Liberation from pain or suffering.

7. (biochemistry) The process by which a chemical substance is set free.

8. (phonetics, sound synthesis) The act or manner of ending a sound.

9. (railways, historical) In the block system, a printed card conveying information and instructions to be used at intermediate sidings without telegraphic stations.

10. A device adapted to hold or release a device or mechanism as required.

11. Orgasm.

    • She quivered in release.

12. Discharged semen

13. (music) A kind of bridge used in jazz music.

verb

1. (transitive) To let go of; to cease to hold or contain.

   • He released his grasp on the lever.

2. (transitive) To make available to the public.

   • They released the new product later than intended.

3. (transitive) To free or liberate; to set free.

   • He was released after two years in prison.

4. (transitive) To discharge.

   • They released thousands of gallons of water into the river each month.

5. (transitive, telephony) (of a call) To hang up.

   • If you continue to use abusive language, I will need to release the call.

6. (transitive, law) To let go, quit (a legal claim); to discharge or relinquish a right to (lands or buildings) by conveying to another who has some right or estate in possession.

7. (transitive) To loosen; to relax; to remove the obligation of.

8. (transitive, soccer) To set up; to provide with a goalscoring opportunity.

9. (biochemistry) To set free a chemical substance.

10. (intransitive) To launch; to come out; to become available.

    • when the game releases