liberate

[ lib-uh-reyt ]

verb (used with object)

, lib·er·at·ed, lib·er·at·ing.

1. to set free, as from imprisonment or bondage.

   Synonyms: loose, disenthrall, unfetter, deliver

   Antonyms: enthrall, imprison

2. to free (a nation or area) from control by a foreign or oppressive government.
3. to free (a group or individual) from social or economic constraints or discrimination, especially arising from traditional role expectations or bias.
4. to disengage; set free from combination, as a gas.
5. Slang. to steal or take over illegally:

   The soldiers liberated a consignment of cigarettes.

liberate

/ ˈlɪbəˌreɪt /

verb

1. to give liberty to; make free
2. to release (something, esp a gas) from chemical combination during a chemical reaction
3. to release from occupation or subjugation by a foreign power
4. to free from social prejudices or injustices
5. euphemistic.
   to steal

Derived Forms

• ˈliberˌator, noun

Other Words From

• liber·ative lib·er·a·to·ry [lib, -er-, uh, -tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], adjective
• liber·ator noun
• pre·liber·ate verb (used with object) preliberated preliberating
• re·liber·ate verb (used with object) reliberated reliberating
• un·liber·ated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of liberate¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin līberātus (past participle of līberāre “to free”), equivalent to līberā- verb stem + -tus past participle suffix. See liberal, -ate ¹

Synonym Study

See release.

Example Sentences

"He sees himself as the guy destined to liberate Palestine - he's not about improving the economic situation, social services for Gaza," says Yaari.

From BBC

A partnership between a Shia country and a Sunni Arab organisation is not an obvious one, but both share a goal to end the state of Israel and "liberate" Jerusalem from Israeli occupation.

From BBC

On 15 August, for example, he was at Boulouris, on the Côte d’Azur in France, where he gave a detailed 12-minute address at the commemoration of the 1944 Allied landings to liberate southern France from the Nazis - an operation in which many troops from the French African territories took part.

From BBC

But rather than be Robeson, Tines explained, his need has been to liberate himself from the great singer.

From Los Angeles Times

“The Maoists freed us - it’s their job to liberate,” he said.

From BBC

Related Words

• emancipate
• free
• rescue
• save