släppa

Släppa is a Swedish verb with several related meanings centered on letting go, releasing or allowing something to occur. The core sense is to relinquish grip or control, as in physically releasing an object or loosening a hold. It can also mean to release something into the public sphere, such as information, a product, or a creative work, or to allow entry or freedom for someone or something. Common expressions include släppa taget (to loosen one’s grip), släppa in (to let someone in), släppa fri (to set free), and släppa nyheter eller produkter (to release news or products).

Conjugation and forms: släppa is the infinitive; present tense is släpper; past tense is släppte; supine/perfect participle is släppt. The present perfect is har släppt, or har släppt. The imperative form is släpp, or in phrases such as släpp taget! (let go, figuratively or literally). Reflexive usage exists in phrases like släppa taget om något.

Etymology and relations: släppa derives from Old Norse sleppa and is cognate with Danish slippe and Norwegian slippe, among other Germanic-language forms. The word has developed a range of figurative and literal senses that are reflected in modern Swedish.

Usage notes: In contemporary contexts, släppa is common for releasing music, software, or a new version (låt/släpptes, the release). It is also used for permitting entry (släppa in) or for dropping a subject (släppa frågan). The noun form släpp exists as well, meaning a release or act of letting go.

Examples: Han släppte taget om repet. Låten släpptes i morse. Företaget ska släppa en ny app. Släpp honom in, tack.