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release

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noun British English pronunciation: release /rɪˈliːs/ 
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singularrelease
pluralreleases
 
  1. 1
    [uncountable] the act of letting someone leave a place such as a prison or hospital
    release of:

    The release of Nelson Mandela was watched by millions of people on TV.

    release from:

    He was taken home on his release from hospital.

    secure someone’s release:

    The Foreign Office has finally secured her release from prison.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  releaseThesaurus entry for this meaning of release
    1. a.
      the act of letting an animal leave the place where you have been keeping it
      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  releaseThesaurus entry for this meaning of release
  2. 2
    [uncountable] a situation in which something such as a chemical is spread into the area or atmosphere around it

    We’re doing all we can to prevent the release of toxic waste into the oceans.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  releaseThesaurus entry for this meaning of release
  3. 3
    [uncountable] the act of making something available
    release of:

    the release of secret government information

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  releaseThesaurus entry for this meaning of release
    1. a.
      [countable] a new film, video, or CD that is available for people to see or buy

      The band’s latest release is called ‘White Clouds’.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  releaseThesaurus entry for this meaning of release
  6. 6
    [countable/uncountable] an opportunity or permission not to do something

    The weekend was a much-needed release from work.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  releaseThesaurus entry for this meaning of release

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This is the British English definition of release. View American English definition of release.

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