Losgelassen

Losgelassen is the past participle of the German verb loslassen, meaning to let go, release, or relinquish. It is used to form perfect tenses with the auxiliary haben (Ich habe losgelassen) and can appear in adjectival or passive constructions.

In German, loslassen is a separable-prefix verb; in finite forms the prefix can separate, while the past participle used in compound tenses is losgelassen. Example: Ich habe losgelassen; Er hat den Ball losgelassen.

The word can describe physical release as well as figurative release. Semantically, losgelassen denotes the act of releasing something held, such as a grip, a rope, or a claim. Common figurative uses include letting go of emotions or attachments, e.g., den Groll loslassen; letting go of expectations or grudges. In psychological and spiritual contexts, loslassen is a central concept associated with acceptance, mindfulness, and detachment.

Etymology: losgelassen derives from the separable prefix los- combined with lassen (to let). The prefix signals a movement away or release from a present state.

See also: loslassen, letting go, detachment, acceptance.