0 past simple and past participle of release
1 to give freedom or free movement to someone or something:
He was released from prison after serving two years of a five-year sentence.
She was arrested for shoplifting but was released on bail (= after paying a sum of money to the court).
Coal power stations release sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere.
Hormones are released from glands into the bloodstream.
2 to allow something to be shown in public or to be available for use:
The prisoner has been released for humanitarian reasons.
He held out an olive branch to the opposition by releasing 42 political prisoners.
The information has been released in dribs and drabs.
A new mix of their hit single is due to be released early next month.
We cannot release the names of the soldiers who were killed until we have informed their next of kin.