What do you think was the difference between the "release" and the "loss", based on the way the community used these words?

In the worldview of the people of the community described by Lois Lowry in The Giver, there is no concept of death. The only way to leave this community is either by "loss" or by "release."

The "loss" refers to accidental death, something that was not planned and should have been prevented from happening. This occurs very rarely, as the citizens abide by the rules which ensure their safety. The only example given of someone being "lost" is that of a little boy who accidentally fell into the river. Again, this was a highly unlikely event, which was attributed to the parents' irresponsibility. The parents were "chastised" and they probably would not be ever allowed to have another child.

The "release", however, is a planned death. The elderly people in the community are "released", or put to death, before they die of old age on their own. Same thing is done to the babies who fail to thrive, and the citizens who fail to follow the rules.

By eliminating the very concept of death, or real loss, the authorities of the community "save" the citizens from the discomfort of the negative feelings. However, doing so limits the range of positive emotions as well, depriving people of experiencing life as we, the readers, know it.