release

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
release/rɪˈliːs/

▶verb

• 1 set free.

• 2 allow to move or flow freely.

  ■ remove (part of a machine or appliance) from a fixed position, allowing something else to move or function.

• 3 allow (information) to be generally available.

  ■ make (a film or recording) available to the public.

• 4 Law remit or discharge (a debt).

  ■ surrender (a right).

  ■ make over (property or money) to another.

▶noun

• 1 the action or process of releasing or being released.

  ■ a handle or catch that releases part of a mechanism.

• 2 a film or other product released to the public.

• 3 Law the action of releasing property, money, or a right to another.

  ■ a document effecting this.

– derivatives
releasable adjective,
releasee noun (Law),
releaser noun,
releasor noun (Law).

– origin ME: from OFr. reles (n.), relesser (v.), from L. relaxare (see relax).