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release

release

40 4.2
The act of ending someone's job
  • noun
  • /rɪˈliːs/
  • Formal
translation icon : despido
  • The company announced the release of several employees as part of its restructuring plan.

WWE called me, said, hey, the same guy who gave me my release called me again to hire me back.

Examples

  • But within two weeks of his release, he was brought in for failure to pay child support.

    Academic text (2017)
  • My brother and l have come to dine to celebrate my early release from the service of the state.

  • Prison-based educational programs provide a significant and positive change to an inmate's life after release.

    Academic text (2012)
  • An educated inmate is less likely to engage in criminal activity after their release. Bureau of GED, College

    Academic text (2012)
  • Indeed, it has been argued that the usefulness of prison education on post-release behavior of ex-convicts is immense.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Her release from the organization came after ten years of dedicated service.

  • After a thorough review, the board decided that her release was necessary for the company's future.

Synonyms

layoff
vsrelease
145 2.6

An event when a company ends someone's job because of money problems, not because they did a bad job

describes the end generally as freeing the person, not specifically temporary or economic
removal
vsrelease
  • Formal
97 3.4

Taking someone out of an official job because they did something wrong

focuses on ending employment as freeing the person, not only an administrative action
discharge
vsrelease
  • Formal
77 5.2

The official release from a job, duty, or service

treats the end as freeing the person from employment rather than only ending a duty
sack
vsrelease
  • UK
75 3.7

A situation when someone loses their job

focuses on the end creating freedom to leave instead of naming the cause
termination
vsrelease
  • Formal
56 4.7

The act of ending something, like a job or contract

applies the same ending specifically to employment, stressing the person's freedom to leave
dismissal
vsrelease
49 3.3

To remove someone from their job against their will

presents the end as freeing the person, not only an employer action
severance
vsrelease
44 6.9

An end to a connection between people or groups

applies this cutting off specifically to employment and freeing the person to depart
ouster
vsrelease
19 7.4

Removing someone from a place like a home by force or law

is about ending employment by freeing the person, not by force or legal action
firing
vsrelease
  • Informal
13 3.7

The act of removing someone from their job

portrays the end as freeing the person to leave their position
separation
vsrelease
  • Formal
9 3.8

The act of ending a person's job, for example by firing

focuses on ending employment by freeing the person, not on who left voluntarily
sacking
vsrelease
  • UK
1 4.4

Losing a job because you are fired

frames the end as making the person free to leave rather than employer choice
dismission
vsrelease
8.1

The official act of removing someone from a job or position

highlights the end as freeing the person rather than only a formal removal

Idioms

1 9.9

To let loose something powerful and hard to control

by press release
  • Literature
3.6

Through an official announcement a company sends to the news media

Compounds

press release
  • Literature
94 2.5

An official message sent to the news media to give information

time-release
  • Specialized
2 5.4

Releases medicine slowly into the body over several hours

3.6

A new version of a film or album that people put out before

7.5

Announcing official decisions to the public by press release before any internal discussion

How Severe

sacking
  • UK
1 4.4
dismissal
49 3.3
release
  • Formal
40 4.2
layoff
145 2.6

Surface Forms

release singular
releases plural

Etymology

Release comes from the parts re- 'back' and the French verb laisser 'to let'. A common modern idea is being 'let go' from work, so a release can mean a person being made free to leave their job.