The terms "loss" and "release" are distinguished in the novel The Giver and have different meanings.
"Loss" is the term for an accidental or unexpected death. The idea of "loss" is first encountered in chapter six, when we learn that a newchild named Caleb is being given to a family who previously lost their first child, also named Caleb, in a drowning accident. The narrator explains that the couple's original son, "had wandered away unnoticed, and had fallen into the river," despite the fact that the community is normally extraordinarily safe. When the couple is provided with the replacement child, the rest of the community murmurs the name as a ritual. The idea of loss seems to be considered tragic and rare.
The meaning of "release" emerges over the course of the novel, and it becomes apparent that the term is essentially a euphemism for euthanasia. We first learn of "release" in chapter one when the narrator states, "For a contributing citizen to be released from the community was a final decision, a terrible, punishment, an overwhelming statement of failure." Later in the same chapter, Jonas's mother reiterates this notion. She holds a prominent position at the Department of Justice and explains at dinner that she had to deal with someone who had broken the rules before. She notes, "I feel frightened...for him...The rules say that if there's a third transgression, he simply has to be released."
Later, in chapter four, "release" is mentioned again, though in very different context. Jonas is volunteering at The House of the Old, and one of the women that lives there describes the Ceremony of Release the occurs among the old people. In this context, release seems to be more of a celebration. We eventually also learn that newchildren can sometimes be released, either if they are the smaller of a set of twins or if they are unhealthy in some way and/or have a birth defect.
In chapter 19, Jonas gets to witness release for himself. He watches his father, who is performing the release of a newchild, use a syringe to inject the contents of a small bottle into the baby. Jonas realizes that release is actually lethal injection. The community in which he lives is so determined to enforce sameness and perfection, that they have decided anyone that cannot contribute to society in a way that has been deemed appropriate (e.g., criminals, elderly, and sick children) needs to be executed.
Loss is clearly a euphemism for death. In chapter 6, the first ceremony begins and the community applauses each couple as they receive their child. Jonas watches as a happy couple is given their "replacement child" named Caleb. The couple had lost their first child named Caleb when he accidentally fell into the river. Jonas recalls the community performing the Ceremony of the Loss, where everyone murmured Caleb's name throughout the entire day. Given the context of the term "loss," one can surmise that it is synonymous with death, particularly an accidental death.
The term "release" is a bit more tricky to decipher. In chapter 1, a pilot accidentally flies his jet over the community, and it is announced over the loudspeaker that he will be released. In this context, the word "release" is synonymous with being exiled or punished. The reader also learns that there is a celebration when an elderly community member is released, and there is also the practice of releasing a newchild, which Jonas and his father find to be sad. One can surmise that release is another euphemism for death, only it is a purposeful death that has been predetermined and sanctioned by the Elders.
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