To let go of something held; to release it from one's hand.
子どもが風船を手から手放して、空へ飛んでいった。
The child let go of the balloon and it flew up into the sky.
彼は驚いてコップを手放してしまった。
He was startled and dropped (let go of) the glass.
鳥を捕まえていたが、やさしく手放した。
He had caught the bird but gently let it go.
To part with a possession; to relinquish ownership (e.g., sell or give away something).
引っ越しのため、本や家具を何点か手放すことにした。
Because of the move, I decided to part with some books and furniture.
彼女は思い出の品をなかなか手放せなかったが、最終的には売った。
She couldn't easily part with the memento, but eventually sold it.
コレクションは価値が上がったので、手放す人が増えている。
Because the collection increased in value, more people are parting with theirs (selling).
To send someone away or relinquish responsibility for a person (e.g., entrust a child to others).
親は子どもを寮に入れて、大学生活の間は一度手放すことにした。
The parents sent their child to a dorm and decided to let go (relinquish day-to-day care) during university life.
故郷に残しておいた祖父母を外国へ連れて行くのは難しく、結局手放した。
It was difficult to take the grandparents left in the hometown abroad, so in the end they let them stay behind.
To stop performing a task or role temporarily; to relinquish responsibility or step away from work for a time.
彼は育児のためにプロジェクトの担当を一時手放した。
He temporarily gave up responsibility for the project to care for his child.
体調不良で当番を手放し、同僚に代わってもらった。
Because he was unwell he relinquished his shift and had a colleague cover for him.