the general release definition is a legal document releasing one party from the right to bring a claim against another party.3 min read the general release definition is a legal document releasing one party from the right to bring a claim against another party. the party that agrees to release the other from any future claims or legal action is called the releasor, while the party being released from the potential legal action is called the releasee. a party that has been injured or the party that has potentially caused an injury might choose to seek a general release. the releasor is choosing to release the other party from any and all claims when signing a general release form, not releasing the rights to one specific type of claim. before signing, a releasor must consider if there are any possible claims against the other party.