釈放

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The spelling is 釈放, read しゃくほう, and it combines 釈, meaning release, with 放, meaning let go.
• Basic usage: The basic sense of 釈放 is releasing or setting free a person who has been detained or held in custody.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Release from custody
  • Both examples use the form 釈放. In the sentences, 釈放された and 釈放される are passive forms presenting the change experienced by the person being released.
• Court decision and negotiated release
  • 裁判所の決定を受け、拘束されていた男性が釈放された。 — Following the court's decision, the detained man was released.
  • 物語の捕虜は交渉が成立した夜に釈放される。 — The prisoner in the story is set free on the night the negotiations succeed.