release

Noun

• (music) the act or manner of terminating a musical phrase or tone

• a formal written statement of relinquishment

• the act of allowing a fluid to escape

• activity that frees or expresses creative energy or emotion
  • she had no other outlet for her feelings
    
  • he gave vent to his anger
    

• a device that when pressed will release part of a mechanism

• a legal document evidencing the discharge of a debt or obligation

• euphemistic expressions for death
  • thousands mourned his passing
    

• the termination of someone's employment (leaving them free to depart)

• an announcement distributed to members of the press in order to supplement or replace an oral presentation

• a process that liberates or discharges something
  • there was a sudden release of oxygen
    
  • the release of iodine from the thyroid gland
    

• the act of liberating someone or something

• merchandise issued for sale or public showing (especially a record or film)
  • a new release from the London Symphony Orchestra
    

Verb

• make (assets) available
  • release the holdings in the dictator's bank account
    

• release (gas or energy) as a result of a chemical reaction or physical decomposition

• part with a possession or right
  • I am relinquishing my bedroom to the long-term house guest
    
  • resign a claim to the throne
    

• make (information) available for publication
  • release the list with the names of the prisoners
    

• generate and separate from cells or bodily fluids
  • secrete digestive juices
    
  • release a hormone into the blood stream
    

• eliminate (a substance)
  • combustion products are exhausted in the engine
    
  • the plant releases a gas
    

• prepare and issue for public distribution or sale
  • publish a magazine or newspaper
    

• let (something) fall or spill from a container
  • turn the flour onto a plate
    

• grant freedom to; free from confinement

• release, as from one's grip
  • Let go of the door handle, please!
    
  • relinquish your grip on the rope--you won't fall
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  tone ending , waiver , discharge , spill , spillage , outlet , vent , button , acquittance , passing , loss , departure , exit , expiration , going , dismissal , dismission , firing , liberation , sack , sacking , handout , press release , freeing , unblock , unfreeze , free , liberate , relinquish , resign , give
• Antonyms: 
  freeze , block , immobilize , immobilise , confine , detain , hold , take hold