catch and release English

Meaning catch and release meaning

What does catch and release mean?

catch and release noun

— (fishing) A variety of angling where the fish are released after capture, as a conservation measure.

— (US) The immigration policy of releasing illegal immigrants while they await a hearing, rather than detaining them.

— (legal) The practice of a patent holding company buying a patent, offering a license to its members, and then selling or donating the patent after a certain period.