The word 释放 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a core action to create a unified concept. The first character, 释 (shì), originates from imagery related to untying, loosening, or explaining, thus conveying the idea of relieving or freeing something bound. The second, 放 (fàng), is based on the action of sending away or setting forth, as in letting go. Together, they sequentially depict the process of first loosening a constraint and then letting go, merging to express the complete act of "to release".