Release left one to scold (8)

I believe the answer is:

liberate

'release' is the definition.
(I know that release can be written as liberate)

'left one to scold' is the wordplay.
'left' becomes 'l' (common abbreviation).
'one' becomes 'i' (Roman numeral).
'to scold' becomes 'berate' ('berate' can be a synonym of 'scold').
'l'+'i'+'berate'='LIBERATE'

(Other definitions for liberate that I've seen before include "Set free, emancipate" , "Free (someone)" , "Set free, release from slavery" , "Deliver" , "let go" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.

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