Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English - release

~1 v 1 »LET SB FREE« to let someone go free  (The hostages were released in November 1988. | release sb from)  (They decided to release the bird from its cage.) 2 »STOP HOLDING« to stop holding something that you have been holding tightly or carefully  (The man finally released her arm. | release your grasp/grip/hold (on))  (The noise made him release his grasp.) 3 »MAKE PUBLIC« to let news or official information be known and printed  (The new trade figures have just been released.) 4 »MACHINERY« to allow part of a piece of machinery or equipment to move from the position in which it is fixed  (Don't forget to release the handbrake.) 5 »FEELINGS« to express or get rid of feelings such as anger or worry  (Physical exercise is a good way of releasing tension.) 6 »FILM/RECORD« to make a record or film available for people to buy or see 7 »CHEMICAL« to let a substance flow out  (Adrenalin is released in moments of danger.) 8 »FROM A DUTY« to allow someone not to do their duty or work  (release sb from)  (She was released from her teaching duties to attend the funeral.) 9 »WEAPON« to make a weapon fly or fall  (The missiles were released from a height of four thousand metres.) ~2 n 1 »FROM PRISON« the act of allowing someone to go free or being allowed to go free  (She went to the Governor to beg for her son's release.) + from  (Simon has obtained early release from prison.) 2 »FEELINGS« 3 a) freedom to show or express your feelings  (Music has always provided me with a form of emotional release.) b) a feeling that you are free from the worry or pain that you have been suffering  (that wonderful feeling of release when the examinations are over) 4 »RECORD/FILM« a new record or film  (the band's latest release) 5 on (general) release if a film, record etc is on release it has recently become possible to see or buy it 6 »OFFICIAL STATEMENT« an official statement that is made available to be printed or broadcast  (- see also press release) 7 »CHEMICALS« the act of letting a chemical, gas etc flow out of its usual container  (the slow release of toxic waste into the rivers) 8 »MAKING STH AVAILABLE« the act of making something available  (October 22nd is the date set for the report's release.) 9 »ON A MACHINE« a handle, button etc that can be pressed to allow part of a machine to move