B2to 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 law court).figurativeThe operation released him from years of pain.Liberating, relaxing and releasing›to move a device from a fixed position to allow it to move freely: He released the handbrake and the car jumped forwards.Unfastening and opening›to fire a bomb or a missile (= flying weapon), or to allow it to fall: The plane released its bombs at 10,000 feet.Detonation and bombardmentC1to allow a substance to flow out from somewhere: Coal power stations release sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere.Hormones are released from glands into the bloodstream.Emitting and ejecting›to express a feeling that you have been trying not to show: He punched the pillow in an effort to release his anger.Showing and demonstrating