To release from restraint or inhibition.
To release from chemical bonds or solutions.
To acquire from an enemy during wartime, used especially of cities, regions, and other population centers.
To release from servitude or unjust rule.
To release from slavery: to manumit.
To acquire from another by theft or force: to steal, to rob.
To take in the slack of (a rope).
To reduce or diminish in amount, quantity, or extent; to lessen.
To reduce (sail) by taking it in.
To become shorter.
To make shorter; to abbreviate.
To make short or friable, as pastry, with butter, lard, etc.
To make deficient (as to); to deprive (of).