German word

freilassen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈfʁaɪ̯ˌlasən/

Meaning

  • verbrelease

Example

Die Polizei lässt den Gefangenen frei.

The police are releasing the prisoner.

Illustration for freilassen (release)

More examples

Nach neuen Beweisen haben sie den Verdächtigen freigelassen.

Following new evidence, they released the suspect.

Core concept

A locked-up person has the restraints removed and can walk away.

Common phrases

  • jemanden freilassen

    release someone

  • den Gefangenen freilassen

    release the prisoner

Similar words

befreien: To free someone from captivity, control, or another form of confinement.
entlassen: To formally let someone leave a job, hospital, or other institution.
loslassen: To let go of a person or object being held tightly.
freigeben: To authorize something for use, access, or publication.

Definition in German

eine Person oder Sache aus Fesseln, Haft oder sonstiger Einschränkung entlassen

Word origin

The compound combines German frei, 'free', with lassen, 'let or cause to be', forming the literal sense 'let free'.

Usage tips

  • In a main clause, freilassen is separable, so the finite form appears before the object and frei comes at the end.

Other meanings

  • let offverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word