Bail: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in legal situations when someone is temporarily released from jail, usually by paying money. Often seen in criminal cases.

• He was released on $1,000 bail
• She posted bail for her brother

This word is generally used in legal settings when someone pays money to get someone out of jail while they wait for their trial. It often creates an implication that the person might have committed a crime.

• He was able to post bail and was released until his court date.
• His family gathered the money needed to make bail.

Used in various contexts to indicate letting something or someone go. It can be used formally and informally, and applies to objects, people, emotions, etc.

• The company plans to release the new product next month.
• She decided to release her grip on the past and move on.

This word often carries historical, political, or military undertones. It's used when freeing people from oppressive situations or regimes. The term suggests a significant change towards freedom.

• The city was liberated by the allied forces.
• The revolution aimed to liberate the population from dictatorship.

Use 'free' when referring to releasing someone or something from physical or metaphorical constraints. Its usage is quite broad and common in everyday language.

• The activist worked tirelessly to free the captured animals.
• They plan to free the prisoners of war.