release

Word parts

re- + lease (to lease again)

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /rɪˈliːs/
• SAMPA: /r\I"li:s/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Verb

Plain form release

Third-person singular releases

Past tense released

Past participle released

Present participle releasing

1. If someone releases something, they let go of it; they stop holding it and set it free (let it be free).

   He released his grasp on the lever.

   He was released after two years in prison.

2. Someone releases something when they put it out into the world (discharge it).

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

3. A company releases something when they let the public start using it.

   They released the new product later than they wanted to.

4. To lease again; to agree to a new lease of; to let back, sublet or rent again.

   I leased the house from the owner, and released it for a year to another person.

Noun

Singular release

Plural releases

1. In software, a version of something that is put up for sale or that the public can use.

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

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

   They marked the occasion with a release of butterflies.