drained / released
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drained / released
Describes a liquid or gas that has been removed or let out of a container, tire, or system.
Das Wasser im Pool war für die Reinigung komplett abgelassen.
The water in the pool had been completely drained for cleaning.
let off
In a figurative sense, the release of pent-up pressure, anger, or frustration. It refers to the state after the emotions have been expressed.
Nachdem der ganze Dampf abgelassen war, konnten sie wieder vernünftig miteinander reden.
After all the steam had been let off, they could talk to each other sensibly again.
'Abgelassen' is the past participle of the separable verb 'ablassen' (to drain/let out). The prefix 'ab-' means 'away' or 'down', and 'lassen' means 'to let/allow/cause'. So the literal meaning is to let something flow away or escape.
Die Luft aus dem Reifen wurde langsam abgelassen.
The air was slowly let out of the tire.
As a past participle, 'abgelassen' (drained/let out) can stand as an adjective before a noun or be used with the verb 'sein' (to be) to describe a state.
Das abgelassene Öl muss umweltgerecht entsorgt werden.
The drained oil must be disposed of in an environmentally responsible way.
You can recognize the figurative meaning from words that have to do with emotions or pressure. Common signal words are 'Dampf' (steam), 'Druck' (pressure), 'Wut' (anger), or 'Frust' (frustration).
Nachdem all die Wut abgelassen war, fühlte er sich erleichtert.
After all the anger had been let out, he felt relieved.
to unload / discharge
When anger has been building up, both words can describe letting emotions out. Sich entladen, however, emphasizes that the strong emotion suddenly and violently erupts, while abgelassen describes the state after pressure, anger, or frustration has been expressed. Use entladen for the outburst and abgelassen for the result.
Nach dem Gespräch wirkte ihr Frust deutlich abgelassen.
After the conversation, her frustration seemed noticeably reduced.
Nach der langen Besprechung entlud sich seine Wut plötzlich.
After the long meeting, his anger suddenly erupted.
