The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word CATHARSES
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "releases" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case releases = catharses.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does CATHARSES mean?
CATHARSES noun- A release of emotional tension after an overwhelming vicarious experience, resulting in the purging or purification of the emotions, as through watching a dramatic production (especially a tragedy).
- Any release of emotional tension to the same effect, more widely.
- A purification or cleansing, especially emotional.
- A therapeutic technique to relieve tension by re-establishing the association of an emotion with the memory or idea of the event that first caused it, and then eliminating it by complete expression (called the abreaction).
- Purging of the digestive system.