to set (a person or animal) free from restraint or, confinement, or servitude
to free (somebody) from the constraints imposed by an obligation or responsibility
She was released from her promise
to give permission for the publication, performance, exhibition, or sale of (something)
to publish or issue (something)
The commission has released its findings
to move (e.g. a handle or catch) in order to allow a mechanism free movement
to allow free movement to (a mechanism) in this way
to operate or move (e.g. a handle or catch) in order to allow a mechanism free movement
She released the hand brake
said of a cell, tissue, etc: to allow (e.g. a hormone) to pass from its place of origin or storage into the bloodstream, digestive tract, etc
in law, to give up (a right, claim, etc) in favour of somebody else