release

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive

   To let a person or animal go free after they have been held or captured.

   Grammar: Takes an object: release someone or something. Often followed by 'from' or 'into'.

   Patterns

   • release someone from something
   • release someone into something
   • release an animal into the wild

   The police released him without charge after two days.

   They released the rescued birds into the forest.

   The zoo released the turtle back into the sea.

2. 2verbtransitive

   To make a film, song, book, or product available for people to buy, see, or use.

   Grammar: Takes an object naming the thing made public: release an album, release a report.

   Patterns

   • release a film
   • release a statement
   • release something to the public

   The band will release their new album in March.

   The company released the phone at a lower price this year.

   The government released the figures on Monday morning.

3. 3verbtransitive

   To let something go or flow out, or to stop holding or pressing it.

   Grammar: Takes an object: release a brake, release your grip, release energy.

   Patterns

   • release a brake
   • release your grip
   • release something into the air

   Release the button when the light turns green.

   The plant releases oxygen during the day.

   He released his hold on the rope and fell safely into the net.

4. 4noununcountable

   The act of letting someone or something go free.

   Grammar: Uncountable here: the release of the prisoners. Use 'a release' only for a specific document or product.

   Patterns

   • the release of someone
   • release from prison
   • a release date

   Her release from prison came after a long campaign.

   The release of the animals took place at dawn.

   He was calm on the day of his release.

5. 5nouncountable

   A film, song, book, or other product that has just been made available to the public.

   Grammar: Countable: a new release, the latest releases.

   Patterns

   • a new release
   • the latest release
   • a film release

   This album is their first release in five years.

   The cinema shows new releases every Friday.

   The software release fixes several security problems.

6. 6nouncountable

   An official statement or piece of information given to the public or the press.

   Grammar: Countable, often in fixed phrases: a press release, a news release.

   Patterns

   • a press release
   • a news release
   • issue a release

   The company sent out a press release about the merger.

   The team issued a short release confirming the injury.

   Journalists received the release an hour before the announcement.

Word forms

Common combinations

release a statement

The minister released a statement denying the rumors.

release from prison

He was released from prison last month.

press release

They wrote a press release to announce the new product.

release a film

The studio will release the film worldwide in July.

release your grip

She released her grip on the railing and stepped forward.

release into the wild

The cubs were released into the wild after two years.

Synonyms and how they differ

free

Usually means removing limits on a person or situation and is often more general than 'release', which suggests a formal act of letting go.

publish

Fits written material such as books and reports, but not prisoners or brakes.

issue

Often used for official statements, tickets, or documents, and sounds more formal than 'release'.

launch

Suggests starting something new, especially a product or campaign, rather than simply making it available.

Opposites

Word family

released adjective

Having been set free or made available.

releasable adjective

Able to be released.

release noun

The act of freeing or issuing something.

Commonly confused: release or relief? release or realise?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “release”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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