WordGarden.ioliberate
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈɪbərˌeɪt/
US
- /ˈlɪˌbɜrˌeɪt/
Meanings
Verb
to free a person, group, or place from oppression, captivity, or enemy control
to free someone from restrictive beliefs, feelings, habits, or constraints
to release a substance, gas, or energy from a source or compound
Beyond the definition
To liberate someone or something means to set them free from control, captivity, or oppression. Think of freeing prisoners, or of an army freeing a town from an occupying force. It's about giving freedom and independence. You can also liberate yourself from bad habits by breaking their hold on you.
Liberate often suggests a strong act of release, usually after struggle or force. A hero might liberate a village from a cruel ruler, or a political movement might liberate people from tyranny. It's more than just letting something go; it's actively making it free.
The word "liberate" carries the weight of freedom and release. At its core, to liberate means to set someone or something free from confinement, control, or oppression. Imagine a bird freed from a cage, soaring into open skies. This isn't simply opening the door; it's about removing the barriers that prevent flight.
Historically, "liberate" often referred to freeing people from slavery or political subjugation. The liberation of enslaved people in many countries was a long and arduous struggle for freedom. But its meaning extends beyond physical captivity. You can liberate yourself from limiting beliefs, unhealthy relationships, or even time-consuming habits.
Liberate also has a more abstract use. A new idea might liberate someone from an old way of thinking, allowing new possibilities. An artist's bold style could also liberate creative work from traditional limits.
The act of liberation often implies struggle and triumph, overcoming forces that try to keep something captive. It's a word filled with hope, strength, and the pursuit of independence. So whether it's freeing a nation, a person, or even your own mind, to liberate is to unlock potential and embrace freedom.
Examples
- 1
Military occupation
The army liberated the city after years of occupation.
- 2
Prisoners
The prisoners were liberated when rebel forces took control of the camp.
- 3
Legal relief
The new law liberated many families from unfair debt.
- Patternliberate someone from + burden/limit
remove that burden or limit from their life
- 4
Remote work
Remote work liberated her from a two-hour commute.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Opportunity
The scholarship liberated him to study full-time.
- Patternliberate someone to do something
make it possible for someone to do it freely
- 6
Emotional freedom
She found it liberating to say exactly what she thought.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- liberate prisoners
- liberate a country
- liberate someone from oppression
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- liberateverb
Forms
- liberatedpast tenseverb
- liberating-ing formverb
- liberatesverb