los|lassen
Translation
to let go, to release, to set free, to unleash
Examples
Lass meine Hand los!
Let go of my hand!
Man muss die Vergangenheit loslassen.
One must let go of the past.
Er hat den Hund von der Leine losgelassen.
He let the dog off the leash.
Grammar Patterns
((sb./sth.)) to let go of sb./sth. She couldn't let go of his hand.
((from sth.)) to let go of sth. He needs to let go from the past.
Similar Words
Synonyms: freilassen, befreien; Antonyms: festhalten, behalten
Etymology
From the prefix 'los-' (loose, away) and the verb 'lassen' (to let, to leave). It literally means 'to let loose'.
Memory Tips
Picture letting go ('loslassen') of a balloon. This works for both the physical sense (releasing your grip) and the metaphorical sense (letting go of worries).