# release

> English word · Noun · IPA /ɹəˈliːs/ · frequency rank #856

## Definitions
1. The event of setting (someone or something) free (e.g. hostages, slaves, prisoners, caged animals, hooked or stuck mechanisms).
2. The distribution, either public or private, of an initial or new and upgraded version of a computer software product.
3. Anything recently released or made available (as for sale).
4. That which is released, untied or let go.
5. The giving up of a claim, especially a debt.
6. Liberation from pain or suffering.
7. The process by which a chemical substance is set free.
8. The act or manner of ending a sound.
9. In the block system, a printed card conveying information and instructions to be used at intermediate sidings without telegraphic stations.
10. A device adapted to hold or release a device or mechanism as required.
11. A device adapted to hold or release a device or mechanism as required.
12. A device adapted to hold or release a device or mechanism as required.
13. Orgasm.
14. Discharged semen
15. A kind of bridge used in jazz music.

## Etymology
From Middle English relesen, relessen, from Old French relaisser (variant of relascher).

## Easily confused with
- **reverse** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/release-vs-reverse)
- **released** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/release-vs-released)
- **Reese** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/reese-vs-release)
- **relate** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/relate-vs-release)
- **relapse** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/relapse-vs-release)
- **rehearse** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/rehearse-vs-release)

## Common misspellings (9)
`erlease`, `reelase`, `relaese`, `releaes`, `releasse`, `relesae`, `rellease`, `rleease`, `rrelease`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/release