release

Release is defined as to set free or to relieve.

(verb)

An example of release is to set a bird free from captivity.

The definition of a release is a letting go, setting free or relief.

(noun)

An example of release is the allowing of a person to be free from the terms of a contract.

See release in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb released, releasing

to set free, as from confinement, duty, work, etc.
to let go or let loose: to release an arrow
to grant freedom from a tax, penalty, obligation, etc.
to set free from pain, cares, etc.; relieve
☆ to permit to be issued, shown, published, broadcast, etc.; put into circulation
Law to give up or surrender to someone else (a claim, right, etc.)

Origin: ME relesen < OFr relaisser < L relaxare: see relax

noun

a setting free or being set free; deliverance; liberation
a freeing or being freed from a tax, obligation, etc.
1. a relief from pain, cares, etc.
2. relief from emotional tension through a spontaneous, uninhibited expression of an emotion
a document authorizing release, as from an obligation, from prison, etc.
the act of letting loose something caught, held in position, etc.
a device to release a catch, etc., as for starting or stopping a machine
☆
1. the act of releasing a book, film, news story, etc. to the public
2. the book, film, news story, etc. released
Music
1. the act or method of ending a tone
2. ☆ the third group of eight measures in a common form of 32-bar chorus, as in a popular tune, which supplies a bridge between repetitions of the melody
Law
1. a giving up or surrender to someone else, as of a claim or right
2. the document by which this is done; quitclaim

See release in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb re·leased, re·leas·ing, re·leas·es

To set free from confinement, restraint, or bondage: released the prisoners.
To free from something that binds, fastens, or holds back; let go: released the balloons; released a flood of questions.
To dismiss, as from a job.
To relieve of debt or obligation.
To relieve of care and suffering.
a. To issue for performance, sale, publication, or distribution.
b. To make known or available.
To relinquish (a right or claim).

noun

A deliverance or liberation, as from confinement, restraint, or suffering.
An authoritative discharge, as from an obligation or from prison.
An unfastening or letting go of something caught or held fast.
A device or catch for locking or releasing a mechanism.
a. The act or an instance of issuing something for publication, use, or distribution.
b. Something thus released: a new release of a software program.
c. The condition of being available, in use, or in publication: a movie in wide release.
Law
a. Relinquishment to another of a right, title, or claim.
b. The document authorizing such relinquishment.
Linguistics The movement of a vocal organ or organs so as to end the closure of a stop consonant.