Released and spread around (6)
I believe the answer is:
spared
'released' is the definition.
(thesaurus)
'spread around' is the wordplay.
'around' indicates anagramming the letters.
'spread' with letters rearranged gives 'SPARED'.
'and' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for spared that I've seen before include "Refrained from hurting, was merciful towards" , "Dealt leniently with" , "did without" , "Saved" , "forgiven" .)