release
release — 動詞
1. to allow a person or animal to go free from somewhere they had been held — such
釋放；放出
使人或動物脫離囚禁
to allow a person or animal to go free from somewhere they had been held — such as a prison, cage, or locked room.
The lawyer worked for months to help release Indra from the unfair sentence.
律師花了幾個月的時間，協助將 Indra 從不公正的判決中釋放出來。
release + person + from + situation
Nkechi's family celebrated when the judge decided to release her brother.
法官決定釋放 Nkechi 的弟弟時，她的家人歡欣慶祝。
passive: be released by authority
The zookeepers will release the rescued birds back into the wild forest next week.
動物園管理員下週將把獲救的鳥類放回野生森林。
After serving three years in prison, Reuben was finally released on parole.
在監獄服刑三年後，Reuben 終於獲得假釋。
The United Nations demanded that the government release all political prisoners immediately.
聯合國要求該政府立即釋放所有政治犯。
文法句型
release + person/animal
release + from + place
用法筆記
Commonly used in passive constructions: someone is released from prison, captivity, or custody. The agent (the person or institution doing the releasing) is often omitted in news reporting.
常見錯誤
2. to move a button, catch, or mechanical part so that it is no longer holding some
鬆開；放開
將裝置或部件從固定位置移開
to move a button, catch, or mechanical part so that it is no longer holding something in place and the object can move or open.
Jin released the handbrake and the car slowly rolled down the driveway.
Jin 鬆開手煞車，車子緩緩滑下車道。
release + mechanical part (handbrake)
Mei released the catch on the wooden window frame and pushed it open.
Mei 鬆開木窗框上的卡榫，把窗戶推開。
Christopher released his tight grip on the rope and let the bucket fall back down.
Christopher 鬆開緊握繩子的手，讓水桶掉回地面。
Press the red button to release the lock on the emergency exit door.
按下紅色按鈕即可解鎖緊急出口的門。
Rohan released the safety catch on the camera and started taking pictures of the sunset.
Rohan 鬆開相機的安全扣，開始拍攝日落。
文法句型
release + noun (device/part)
用法筆記
Often used for vehicle controls (handbrake, clutch), fasteners (catch, latch, clip), or camera buttons. The object must be a device or part that holds something in place.
3. to drop or fire a bomb, missile, or other weapon from an aircraft or weapon syst
投下；發射
從空中投擲炸彈或飛彈
to drop or fire a bomb, missile, or other weapon from an aircraft or weapon system so that it falls toward a target.
The pilot received orders to release the bombs over the military base at dawn.
飛行員接到命令，要在黎明時分將炸彈投到軍事基地上。
release + bomb + over + target
The drone can release its payload with precision from a height of five kilometres.
這架無人機可以從五公里高的精準位置投放載荷。
The aircraft released a missile that struck the building within seconds.
飛機發射了一枚飛彈，幾秒內便擊中了那棟建築。
Training exercises teach pilots exactly when to release a weapon during a mission.
訓練課程教導飛行員在任務中何時該投擲武器。
文法句型
release + bomb/missile/payload
用法筆記
Domain-specific to military and aviation contexts. Not to be confused with 'launch', which applies to rockets or space vehicles.
4. to let a gas, liquid, or chemical escape or come out of a container, pipe, or ot
排放；釋出
讓氣體或液體流出容器或源頭
to let a gas, liquid, or chemical escape or come out of a container, pipe, or other source into the air or surrounding area.
The factory was fined for releasing toxic chemicals into the nearby river.
該工廠因將有毒化學物質排入附近的河流而被罰款。
release + chemical + into + environment
When you open the bottle, it releases a gas with a very strong smell.
打開瓶子的時候，它會釋出一種氣味很強的氣體。
The old power plant releases thick smoke into the air day and night.
那座舊發電廠日夜排放濃煙到空氣中。
Kian's wound released a small amount of clear liquid before it healed completely.
Kian 的傷口在完全癒合之前滲出了一點透明的液體。
Burning wood releases carbon dioxide and other gases into the atmosphere.
燃燒木頭會釋放二氧化碳和其他氣體到大氣中。
文法句型
release + substance + into + place
用法筆記
Common in environmental and scientific contexts. The substance released is usually something unwanted or harmful (pollution, gas, chemicals), but can be neutral (steam, liquid).
常見錯誤
5. to allow a strong emotion or feeling to come out after keeping it hidden, so tha
抒發；宣洩
表達壓抑的情緒以減輕壓力
to allow a strong emotion or feeling to come out after keeping it hidden, so that you no longer feel as tense or heavy.
After the stressful meeting, Lara finally released all the anger she had held inside for weeks.
在那場讓人緊張的會議之後，Lara 終於抒發了積壓好幾週的怒氣。
release + pent-up emotion (anger)
Crying can help you release stress and feel much calmer afterwards.
哭泣可以幫助你宣洩壓力，之後會感覺平靜許多。
Rohan found it hard to release his feelings about the breakup, even with close friends.
Rohan 發現即使對親近的朋友，也很難抒發分手後的感受。
Writing in a journal every night helps Sivan release the worries from the day.
每晚寫日記可以幫助 Sivan 釋放一天的煩惱。
The children released their excitement by running around the garden and shouting.
孩子們在花園裡奔跑喊叫，宣洩了他們的興奮之情。
文法句型
release + emotion/feeling
用法筆記
The object is usually an emotion with negative connotations (anger, stress, tension, frustration) or a general sense of pressure. Not used for positive emotions like joy in formal writing, though common in casual speech.
常見錯誤
6. to make information, a document, or an official statement available for the publ
公布；發布
讓大眾可以取得資訊或文件
to make information, a document, or an official statement available for the public to see, hear, or read.
The company will release its quarterly earnings report next Thursday morning.
該公司將於下週四上午公布季度財報。
release + report + to public
The police have not yet released the name of the victim to the media.
警方尚未對媒體公布受害者的姓名。
The government released a statement denying all allegations of corruption.
政府發布了一份聲明，否認所有貪腐指控。
University researchers released the findings of their study on climate change yesterday.
大學研究人員昨天發布了他們關於氣候變遷的研究結果。
The hospital will not release patient records without written permission from the individual.
醫院未經個人書面同意，不得公布病歷資料。
- publish
specifically for written or printed material
- disclose
formal, for previously secret information
- make public
phrase, same meaning but more informal
文法句型
release + information/report/statement + to + public
用法筆記
Frequently used in news and business contexts. Often in passive: 'be released to the public' or 'be released to the press.' Not used for personal information you share casually with friends.
7. when a company or musician puts out a film, album, song, or video game so that p
發行；推出
推出電影、音樂或遊戲供大眾觀賞或購買
when a company or musician puts out a film, album, song, or video game so that people everywhere can watch, listen to it, or purchase it.
The Korean band plans to release their new album in March next year.
這個韓國樂團計畫明年三月發行他們的新專輯。
release + album + on + date
Universal Studios released the film in cinemas across Asia last week.
環球影業上週在亞洲各地的電影院發行了這部電影。
The singer released a music video that quickly went viral on social media.
這位歌手發行了一支音樂錄影帶，迅速在社群媒體上爆紅。
The video game company will release the latest version of its racing game in December.
這家遊戲公司將於十二月推出賽車遊戲的最新版本。
Élise's record label released a special edition of her first album for the anniversary.
Élise 的唱片公司為她的首張專輯發行了紀念版。
文法句型
release + film/album/recording + on + format
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 6: this sense is specifically about creative or entertainment products (films, music, games), not about documents or information.
8. to put a new product, book, or software version onto the market for customers to
推出；上市
將新產品或軟體版本開放購買
to put a new product, book, or software version onto the market for customers to purchase, typically along with advertising and special events.
Apple released a new version of its smartphone in September with several camera upgrades.
蘋果公司在九月推出了新款智慧型手機，配備多項相機升級功能。
release + new version + of + product
The publisher will release the cookbook in hardcover and digital formats next spring.
出版社將於明年春天推出這本食譜的精裝版和數位版。
Sivan's software company released an update that fixed several security problems.
Sivan 的軟體公司推出了一個更新，修復了多個安全問題。
The car manufacturer released a new electric model with a longer driving range.
這家汽車製造商推出了一款續航里程更長的新型電動車。
Toy companies usually release their biggest products just before the holiday shopping season.
玩具公司通常在假期購物季前推出他們最重要的產品。
- discontinue
to stop making a product
- recall
to ask customers to return a faulty product
文法句型
release + product + onto + market
用法筆記
Overlaps with sense 7 but this sense applies to any commercial product (cars, phones, books, software, appliances), not just entertainment media.
release — 名詞
1. the situation when someone gets out of prison, hospital, or another place where
釋放；獲釋
脫離監獄或拘留的過程
the situation when someone gets out of prison, hospital, or another place where they have been kept against their own wishes.
The prisoner's family waited outside the prison gates all morning for his release.
囚犯的家屬在監獄大門外等了整個上午，等待他獲釋。
wait for + someone's release
After her release from prison, Nala started working at a small bakery in town.
從監獄獲釋後，Nala 開始在鎮上的一家小麵包店工作。
release from + prison + new beginning
The judge ordered the immediate release of the journalist who had been detained without trial.
法官下令立即釋放那名未經審判就被拘留的記者。
Human rights groups demanded the release of all political prisoners in the region.
人權團體要求釋放該地區的所有政治犯。
The patient's release from the hospital was delayed because of a minor infection.
由於輕微感染，該名患者的出院時間被延後了。
- freedom
broader, not limited to leaving custody
- liberation
more dramatic, for groups or countries
- imprisonment
the state of being kept in prison
- detention
the act of keeping someone in custody
文法句型
someone's release + from + place
用法筆記
Often used with 'from' (release from prison/hospital/custody) or with a possessive ('his release', 'the prisoner's release'). Can be followed by 'of' (the release of the hostages).
2. the process of a gas, liquid, or chemical flowing or escaping from a container,
排放；外洩
氣體或液體從容器中流出
the process of a gas, liquid, or chemical flowing or escaping from a container, pipe, or source.
The release of chemicals from the old factory caused serious damage to local farms.
這座老舊工廠排放的化學物質對當地的農田造成了嚴重損害。
release of + substance + from + place
A small release of natural gas was detected by the safety system in the basement.
地下室的安檢系統偵測到少量的天然氣外洩。
Workers quickly stopped the release of sewage into the lake before it spread further.
工作人員迅速阻止了污水排入湖中，避免進一步擴散。
The slow release of water from the dam keeps the river flowing throughout the dry season.
水壩的緩慢放水讓河流在整個乾季都能持續流動。
- containment
the act of keeping something inside
文法句型
release + of + substance
用法筆記
Usually followed by 'of' (the release of gas/chemicals/smoke). In environmental reporting, often paired with adjectives like 'toxic', 'harmful', or 'accidental'.
3. a feeling of freedom from worry, stress, or emotional pressure, often after expr
解脫；宣洩
擺脫壓力或情緒負擔的感覺
a feeling of freedom from worry, stress, or emotional pressure, often after expressing something that has been bothering you.
Finishing the final exam gave Andrei a tremendous sense of release and relief.
考完期末考讓 Andrei 感到無比的解脫與放鬆。
a sense of release
Talking to a close friend provided the emotional release that Lara desperately needed.
和好朋友聊天為 Lara 提供了她迫切想要的情緒宣洩。
emotional release
Exercise can be a healthy release for anxiety and built-up tension.
運動可以是一個健康的管道，用來宣洩焦慮和積累的緊張。
Crying was a release that helped Nkechi feel lighter after the difficult week.
哭泣是一種宣洩，幫助 Nkechi 在難熬的一週後感覺輕鬆了一些。
Many people find that gardening offers a good release from the pressures of daily work.
許多人發現園藝可以讓生活從工作壓力中得到很好的解脫。
文法句型
a release + from + feeling
用法筆記
Often used in phrases like 'a sense of release', 'an emotional release', or 'a release from tension'. The 'release' itself is usually the act or experience of letting go, not the emotion itself.
4. the process of presenting information, a document, or a product so that the publ
發布；公開
讓公眾取得文件、資訊或產品
the process of presenting information, a document, or a product so that the public can see, read, or use it for the very first time.
The release of the classified documents caused a major political scandal.
機密文件的公開引發了一場重大的政治醜聞。
release of + document + effect
Officials delayed the release of the report until after the election results came out.
官員將該報告的發布時間推遲到選舉結果公布之後。
The release of the survey results led to a heated public debate about education policy.
民調結果的公布引發了一場關於教育政策的激烈公開辯論。
The company announced the release of a new software tool for small businesses.
該公司宣布推出一個專為小型企業設計的新軟體工具。
Journalists gathered at the press conference for the release of the annual economic data.
記者們齊聚記者會現場，等待年度經濟數據的發布。
- publication
focuses on printed or written material
- announcement
the act of telling people about something, not necessarily making it available
- issue
formal, for official documents or statements
- withholding
keeping information back
- suppression
preventing information from being known
文法句型
release + of + information/product
用法筆記
Often followed by 'of' (the release of the report/data/product). The definite article 'the' is almost always used before 'release' in this sense.
5. an official written statement giving information to journalists, newspapers, or
新聞稿
提供給媒體的官方書面聲明
an official written statement giving information to journalists, newspapers, or broadcasters, often called a press release.
The hospital issued a press release about the new cancer treatment facility.
該醫院針對新的癌症治療設施發布了一份新聞稿。
issue a press release
According to the press release, the company plans to open ten new stores across Taiwan.
根據新聞稿，該公司計畫在台灣各地開設十家新門市。
The journalist received a press release from the mayor's office early this morning.
這位記者今天早上收到了市長辦公室的新聞稿。
The university put out a news release announcing the new scholarship programme for international students.
該大學發布了一份新聞稿，宣布為國際學生設立新的獎學金計畫。
- press release
the full, standard term
- news release
alternative term, same meaning
- statement
broader, can be spoken or written
文法句型
issue a release / put out a release
用法筆記
Almost always used as 'press release' or 'news release'. In this meaning, 'release' is a countable document; you can say 'three releases today.' Do not confuse with sense 4 (the act of making available).
常見錯誤
6. a new piece of creative work such as a song collection, movie, or video game tha
新發行
新推出的唱片、電影或遊戲
a new piece of creative work such as a song collection, movie, or video game that people can now watch, hear, or purchase in stores or online.
Élise's latest release topped the music charts in several Asian countries.
Élise 的最新發行在好幾個亞洲國家的音樂排行榜上奪冠。
latest release by + artist
The band's new release sold out within the first week at every store in the city.
這個樂團的新作品在上市第一週就在全市各家唱片行銷售一空。
Fans eagerly anticipated the release of the live concert DVD after the world tour ended.
歌迷們熱切期待世界巡迴結束後發行的現場演唱會 DVD。
This streaming platform offers all the major film releases from the past twelve months.
這個串流平台提供過去十二個月所有主要的電影新片。
Indra bought the special collector's release of his favourite video game on launch day.
Indra 在他最喜歡的電玩遊戲發售當天就買了特別收藏版。
文法句型
latest/new release + by + artist
用法筆記
Often modified by 'new', 'latest', or 'recent' (the new release, the latest release). In entertainment journalism, 'release' alone usually means a music or film release.
7. the availability of a film for showing in cinemas; the period during which a fil
上映；放映
電影在戲院公開播放的期間
the availability of a film for showing in cinemas; the period during which a film can be watched at movie theatres.
The new superhero film will be on general release from the first of November.
這部新的超級英雄電影將從十一月一日起全面上映。
on general release
The independent film had a limited release in only three cities across the country.
這部獨立電影僅在全國三個城市有限上映。
limited release
The director's latest film received a wide release across Europe and North America.
這位導演的最新電影在歐洲和北美廣泛上映。
Movies that are on release in cinemas are often not yet available on streaming services.
正在戲院上映的電影通常還無法在串流平台上觀看。
文法句型
on (general) release
用法筆記
Typically used in fixed phrases: 'on release', 'on general release', 'limited release', 'wide release'. In this meaning, 'release' is uncountable — you cannot say 'a release' to mean a cinema showing.